EFFECTS OF GREEN TEA CATECHINS (POLYPHENON-100) ON CERULEIN-INDUCED ACUTE-PANCREATITIS IN RATS

Effects of green tea catechins (GTC) on cerulein-induced acute pancrea titis in rats were examined. The acute pancreatitis induced by cerulei n (cerulein pancreatitis) was characterized by interstitial edema and vacuolation. When cerulein pancreatitis was induced, prior administrat ion of 0.1% GTC in drinking water for 1 week before the induction sign ificantly decreased the wet weight of the pancreas, the serum level of amylase, and the tissue concentration of lipid peroxides in the pancr eas compared with those in nonmedicated rats supplied with plain tap w ater only. Furthermore, the pancreatic tissue alterations of the medic ated rats were milder than those of the nonmedicated rats. These data suggest that GTC have a protective effect on the pathogenesis of cerul ein pancreatitis.