The Pancreas

Rodger trained in the laboratory of renowned pancreatic physiologist, John A. Williams, at the University of California, San Francisco. There, using isolated pancreatic acini, he developed the world’s first reliable bioassay for measuring blood levels of the gastrointestinal hormone, cholecystokinin (CCK), a major pancreatic secretagogue. His laboratory has continued to explore novel mechanisms regulating pancreatic function, including pathways involved in pancreatitis.  His laboratory described the neurogenic processes that contribute to the initiation, progression and severity of acute pancreatitis.  He also characterized endogenous trypsin inhibitors that serve as a protection against pancreatitis. 

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Recently, his laboratory discovered that the pancreas senses pressure through the mechanically activated ion channel Piezo1.  High pressure causes acute pancreatitis through Piezo1 activation in acinar cells and prolonged pressure activates Piezo1 in stellate cells and produces pancreatic fibrosis. Finally, his laboratory made the unique observation that acute pancreatitis was associated with hypophosphatemia and phosphate treatment reduces pancreatitis severity.  These studies hold promise for developing a therapy for human pancreatitis.