Figure 1.

SAPE progression model. (A) Normal histology. Patients may have genetic risk factor and alcoholism but without pancreatic inflammation. (B) Acute pancreatitis is triggered by a stochastic injury (e.g., gallstone) leading to acute pancreatitis with activation of the innate immunes system a recruitment of inflammatory cells. A variety of modifying factors and variables (triangle) determine the resolution of acute pancreatitis, or contribute to a variety of pathways that lead to the recognized components of the chronic pancreatitis syndrome. (C) Chronic pancreatitis reflects irreversible damage manifests by the response of multiple cell types.