<prompt> Cells central to the production of pancreatic fibrosis are?Alpha cellsBeta cellsStellate cellsAcinar cells  <response>: Ans. is c i.e., Stellate cells Star-shaped cells pancreatic stellate cells PSCs, residing in periacinar space in the pancreas are confirmed to play central role in the fibrogenesis. Increase desmin, glial fibrillary acidic protein GFAP and a-smooth muscle actin a-SMA expression in pancreatic fibrosis, is a hallmark of PSCs activation because they are specific PSC markers .Pancreatic fibrosis Pancreatic fibrosis is a characteristic feature of chronic pancreatitis. Inflammation within pancreas activates pancreatic stellate cells PSCs, which greatly contributed to the pathogenic processes by causing loss of lipid droplets increased proliferation, migration, ECM protein production and cytokine secretion. Recruitment of other inflammatory cells further exacerbates pancreatic inflammation, leading to destruction of acinar cells and islet cells, which is then replaced by massive fibrosis. Therefore pancreatic fibrosis impairs exocrine and endocrine functions of pancreas. Increased production deposition of extracellular matrix ECM proteins such as type I collagen, fibronectin and periostin, is essential for the formation of fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-b TGF-b and platelet derived growth factor PDGF are wellknown growth factors activating PSCs Pancreatic fibrosis also affects the macroscopic ductal structure of the pancreas, typically results in the dilatation of main pancreatic duct or formation of pancreatic stones, derived from inadequate drainage of pancreatic juice. Obstruction of the main pancreatic duct could be a cause of acute exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, which further promotes the necrosis-fibrosis sequence. 