Contribution of pancreatic edema and short-term ischemia to experimental acute pancreatitis in the rat. I. Procedure and pathomorphological investigations.

For experimental analysis of pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis a suitable animal model is necessary. The pancreatic (juice) edema and an alteration of cellular energy metabolism are important pathogenetic factors. A partial intrapancreatic edema was induced by stimulating secretion against permanent or temporary obstruction by ductal ligation. Short-term ischemia was used as tool for alteration of cellular energy metabolism. 24 h postoperatively morphological changes were macro- and microscopically investigated. The data show a correlation between duration of ischemia (10-30 min) and the frequency of acute pancreatitis at preexisting juice edema (44-68 percent). With increasing ischemia the morphological alterations (e.g.: necroses of adipose tissue) were enhanced, too. A hemorrhagic necrotizing pancreatitis was rarely observed. In comparison to other experimental models the presented one is characterized by a mostly moderate and light course of acute pancreatitis offering a good tool for elucidation of the very first stages of the pathogenesis.