Could the Trigeminal Nerve System Influence Pancreatic Function Through Neuropeptides? | Research

The takeaway

Review proposes that the trigeminal nerve system, via CGRP and substance P neuropeptides, may play an unrecognized role in pancreatic innervation and function.

New neural connection proposed
Trigeminal CGRP and substance P may influence pancreatic blood flow and hormone secretion

What the researchers found

The trigeminal system may contribute to pancreatic innervation via CGRP and substance P neuropeptides, potentially influencing pancreatic blood flow, inflammation, and endocrine function.

Why it matters

Understanding all neural inputs to the pancreas could reveal new therapeutic targets for diabetes, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer pain.

How the study worked

Narrative review exploring the hypothesis that trigeminal sensory neuropeptides participate in pancreatic innervation and function.

What this study cannot tell us

Hypothesis-based review — the trigeminal-pancreatic connection is proposed but not definitively proven. Direct experimental evidence is limited.

How to read the evidence

Narrative review presenting a novel hypothesis — thought-provoking but requires experimental validation.

When this study was published

Published in 2026; proposes a new concept in pancreatic neurobiology.

The bigger picture

This challenges conventional understanding of pancreatic nerve supply and highlights how neuropeptide signaling networks are more interconnected than previously appreciated.

Questions still open

Can trigeminal nerve modulation affect insulin secretion?
Does trigeminal CGRP contribute to pancreatic inflammation in pancreatitis?

Common questions

What is the trigeminal nerve?

The trigeminal nerve is the main sensory nerve of the face, responsible for facial sensation, jaw movement, and releasing neuropeptides like CGRP. This review suggests it may also influence the pancreas.

How could facial nerves affect the pancreas?

The trigeminal system releases neuropeptides (CGRP, substance P) that travel through the bloodstream and neural pathways. These peptides can influence blood flow, inflammation, and hormone release in distant organs including potentially the pancreas.

Read the original research

Role of the trigeminal system in pancreatic innervation: new concept and challenge - a narrative review.

Endocrine research, 1-10

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Bou Malhab, Fady M; Jabbour, Serge A; Defronzo, Ralph; Nemr, Rita. (2026). Role of the trigeminal system in pancreatic innervation: new concept and challenge - a narrative review.. Endocrine research, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/07435800.2026.2631091