Galanin mediates the pathogenesis of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in the mouse.

Objectives: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is characterized by pancreatic microcirculatory and secretory disturbances. As galanin can modulate pancreatic vascular perfusion, we sought to determine if galanin plays a role in AP.

Methods: Acute pancreatitis was induced in wild-type and galanin gene knockout mice by intraperitoneal injections of cerulein.