The role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and oxygen-derived free radicals in experimental acute pancreatitis: mediators of local destruction and activators of inflammation

Using a retrograde infusion sodium taurocholate pancreatitis model in the r at treatment with oxygen radical scavengers or monoclonal anti-ICAM-1 antib ody decreased tissue damage and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) infiltra tion, Scavengers or anti-ICAM-1 treatment attenuated the activating capacit y of blood PMNs following zymosan stimulation. The local production of oxyg en free radicals in the pancreas by systemic infusion of hypoxanthine and r egional infusion of xanthine oxidase did not induce acute pancreatitis, alt hough an increase of infiltrating PMNs was observed. Our data suggest that oxygen free radicals and infiltrating PMNs aggravate acute pancreatitis and that both are important mediators of local destruction and systemic activa tion of PMNs. (C) 1999 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.