Editing Dopamine (section)

====Pancreas====

In the pancreas the role of dopamine is somewhat complex. The pancreas consists of two parts, an [[exocrine component of pancreas|exocrine]] and an [[pancreatic islets|endocrine]] component. The exocrine part synthesizes and secretes [[digestive enzymes]] and other substances, including dopamine, into the small intestine.<ref name=Rubi/> The function of this secreted dopamine after it enters the small intestine is not clearly established—the possibilities include protecting the intestinal mucosa from damage and reducing [[gastrointestinal motility]] (the rate at which content moves through the digestive system).<ref name=Rubi>{{cite journal | vauthors = Rubí B, Maechler P | title = Minireview: new roles for peripheral dopamine on metabolic control and tumor growth: let's seek the balance | journal = Endocrinology | volume = 151 | issue = 12 | pages = 5570–81 | date = December 2010 | pmid = 21047943 | doi = 10.1210/en.2010-0745 | doi-access = free }}</ref>

The pancreatic islets make up the endocrine part of the pancreas, and synthesize and secrete hormones including [[insulin]] into the bloodstream.<ref name=Rubi/> There is evidence that the [[beta cell]]s in the islets that synthesize insulin contain dopamine receptors, and that dopamine acts to reduce the amount of insulin they release.<ref name=Rubi/> The source of their dopamine input is not clearly established—it may come from dopamine that circulates in the bloodstream and derives from the sympathetic nervous system, or it may be synthesized locally by other types of pancreatic cells.<ref name=Rubi/>