Evaluation of the effects of melatonin administration intraperitoneally on rats with acute pancreatitis induced by ductal ligation.

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to address the protective effects of exogenous melatonin injections intraperitoneally on the histopathological changes in a model of obstructive acute pancreatitis.

Methods: In this study, ductal ligation technique was used in 20 adult male Wistar Albino rats to develop a model of obstructive acute pancreatitis and beginning pancreatic atrophy. Melatonin 20 mg/kg solution was injected in one group of rats intraperitoneally for one week and results were compared with the control group regarding histopathological findings in the pancreatic tissue.

Results: The apoptosis rate in control group rats was 30.5%, while it was 12.7% in the melatonin group. Pancreatic edema, hemorrhage and polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration decreased remarkably in the melatonin group compared to the control group.

Conclusions: Injection of exogenous melatonin in rats with obstructive acute pancreatitis for seven days prevents acinar cell degeneration, apoptosis and polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration.