This review outlines progress made during the past 11 years in research related to pancreatic acinar cell metabolism and function. We have reviewed information gained at the cellular level concerning structural and functional relationships, and effects of fasting and feeding, as well as the action of gastrointestinal hormones and cholinergic agonists on acinar cells. In toto, this information outlines a significant role for gastrointestinal hormones as mediators of secretion, synthesis, and control of trophism. This information provides a basis for more sophisticated inquiries as to the mechanisms of injury of alcohol and drugs. The information may prove helpful in developing diagnostic modalities for pancreatic disease, as well as understanding the processes involved in neoplastic transformation.