PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CALCITONIN-GENE-RELATED PEPTIDE AGAINST CERULEIN-INDUCED PANCREATITIS IN RATS

The stimulation of sensory nerves by capsaicin exhibits the protective effect against caerulein-induced pancreatitis whereas deactivation of these nerves aggravates pancreatic damage evoked by overdose of caeru lein. Calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) has been identified as th e prominent mediator of sensory nerves. The aim of the present study w as to examine the influence of CGRP on the course of caerulein-induced pancreatitis (CIP). CIP led to a significant decrease in DNA synthesi s and pancreatic blood flow (PBF) by 48% and 50% respectively, as well as a significant Increase of pancreatic weight, plasma amylase concen tration and development of the histological signs of pancreatic damage expressed as edema, leukocyte infiltration and vacuolization. Treatme nt with CGRP (2 x 10 mu g/kg s.c.) attenuated the pancreatic tissue da mage in caerulein-induced pancreatitis and completely reversed the del eterious effect of the ablation of sensory nerves on caerulein-induced pancreatitis. We conclude that CGRP exerts protective effect against caerulein-induced pancreatitis and is able to reverse the damage cause d by deactivation of sensory nerves. Vasodilatation and preservation o f pancreatic blood flow are involved in this effect.