Co-localization hypothesis: A mechanism for the intrapancreatic activation of digestive enzymes during the early phases of acute pancreatitis

Figure 1 Acinar cell demonstrating mechanisms of co-localization. Arrows represent physiological and pathological pathways. Co-localization can occur as a result of (1) missorting of lysosomal hydrolases from digestive zymogens in the Golgi, (2) fusion of zymogen granules with lysosomes and (3) reuptake into the lysosomal compartment of secreted digestive zymogens. Note the ruptured co-localization vacuole (RV) and release of activated digestive enzymes inside the cell. (ER = endoplasmic reticulum, N = nucleus, LYS = lysosomes, CV = condensing vacuoles and ZG = zymogen granules).