ACUTE EFFECTS OF ETHANOL AND ETHANOL PLUS FUROSEMIDE ON PANCREATIC CAPILLARY BLOOD-FLOW IN RATS

The effects of intravenous ethanol and ethanol plus furosemide on panc reatic capillary blood flow (PCBF) were investigated using a laser-Dop pler flowmeter. Forty Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into 4 gro ups: (1) control, (2) 80% ethanol, (3) 80% ethanol plus furosemide, an d (4) furosemide. Mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were mon itored. Levels of serum amylase, calcium, electrolytes, ethanol and fu rosemide (groups 3 and 4) were measured, and samples of pancreatic tis sue were obtained. The ethanol and furosemide levels were statisticall y different (p <0.05). PCBF significantly decreased (p <0.05) in group 2, increased (p <0.05) in group 3, and did not differ (p >0.05) betwe en groups 1 and 4. Histopathologic analysis revealed swollen acini in group 2 and sparse focal necrosis without acinar swelling in group 3. The depressant effect of ethanol on PCBF may be the result of its dire ct action on pancreatic cells causing edema and capillary compression rather than on primary vascular control mechanisms that adjust blood f low. Furosemide counters this effect.