Pancreatic tissue perfusion in experimental acute pancreatitis.

Objective: To investigate pancreatic tissue perfusion and oxygenation in severe and mild experimental acute pancreatitis in pigs.

Design: Randomised controlled experiment.

Setting: Animal laboratory, Finland.

Animals: 24 domestic pigs weighing 21-27 kg.

Interventions: 24 pigs were randomised into severe acute pancreatitis, mild acute pancreatitis and control groups (n = 8 in each). The pancreatic duct of eight anaesthetised and mechanically ventilated pigs was cannulated and taurocholic acid was infused into the pancreatic duct to induce severe acute pancreatitis. Eight animals received intraductally infused saline and developed mild acute pancreatitis. Eight pigs had their ducts cannulated alone, and served as controls.

Main Outcome Measures: Pancreatic tissue oxygenation, laser Doppler red cell flux, central haemodynamics.

Results: Intraductally infused taurocholic acid rapidly induced macroscopically and histologically proven severe necrotising acute pancreatitis. Histological changes characterising mild acute pancreatitis were seen in animals after intraductal saline infusion. Pancreatic tissue oxygen tension decreased in the severe group and increased in the mild group during the six-hour study period. Laser Doppler red cell flux decreased in the severe group. Central haemodynamics, arterial blood gases, and acid base balances were stable throughout the study period in all groups.

Conclusion: The present model of severe acute pancreatitis significantly impairs pancreatic oxygenation in the early phase. In mild acute pancreatitis, pancreatic oxygenation increases.