Ca 2+ Influx Channel Inhibitor SARAF Protects Mice From Acute Pancreatitis.

In mice with pancreatitis, SARAF initially increases but is then degraded, resulting in excessive, pathological Ca influx by acinar cells. SARAF-knockout mice develop more severe pancreatitis than control mice, whereas mice that express SARAF from a transgene in acinar cells develop less-severe pancreatitis. SARAF therefore appears to prevent pancreatic damage during development of acute pancreatitis. Strategies to stabilize or restore SARAF to acinar cells might be developed for treatment of pancreatitis.