CALCIUM-CHANNEL BLOCKERS IN EXPERIMENTAL ACUTE-PANCREATITIS - EFFECT ON TISSUE PROSTANOIDS AND OXYGEN-FREE RADICALS

The effect of verapamil administration on the changes of prostanoid sy nthesis, and on free radical production associated with acute pancreat itis, has been evaluated. A necrohemorrhagic model of pancreatitis was induced in Wistar rats by intraductal administration of sodium tauroc holate (3.5%). This model is associated with initial increases in pros tanoid synthesis and peroxidative damage. Verapamil, administered befo re pancreatitis induction, prevented initial increases in 6-keto prost aglandin F-1 alpha (PGF(1 alpha)) and thromboxane B-2 (TXB(2)) but had no effect on PGF(2 alpha) or PGE(2) or on lipoperoxidative damage. Th ese results indicate that verapamil administration prevents the increa ses in pancreatic vasoactive prostanoids (TXB(2) and 6-keto PGF(2 alph a)) without affecting the increased levels of PGE(2) and PGF(2 alpha) and has no effect on oxygen free radical production in the initial sta ges of experimental acute pancreatitis.