[Changes in collagen and non-collagen protein metabolisms in rat acute pancreatitis induced by ethionine].

Collagen and non-collagen protein metabolisms in rat acute pancreatitis induced by ethionine were investigated with an incorporation study of 3H-proline to those proteins. Enhanced collagen metabolism, which may provide a basis for parenchymal cells regeneration, was observed in the initial phase of acute pancreatitis. This phenomenon was followed by the increase of non-collagen protein metabolism, and histologically mitosis of pancreatic acinar cell was detected concomitantly. Thereafter the enhancement of collagen metabolism continued to the convalescent phase of acute pancreatitis and this change was thought to be related to the resolution and the elimination of excess of collagenous materials and simultaneous increase of non-collagen protein synthesis, which may result in the maturation of acinar cell, was observed. It was thus assumed that the restoration from acute pancreatitis was initiated by the enhanced collagen metabolism with following parenchymal cell regeneration, and was finished by the maturation of acinar cells.