PANCREATIC FIBROSIS IN EXPERIMENTAL PANCREATITIS INDUCED BY DIBUTYLTIN DICHLORIDE

Background & Aims: Regulatory mechanisms in chronic pancreatitis final ly resulting in pancreatic fibrosis cannot be studied sufficiently in human pancreas. Results of a new pancreatitis model in rats suitable f or investigation of the processes leading to pancreatic fibrosis are p resented. Methods: Experimental pancreatitis was induced by intravenou s application of 8 mg/kg body wt dibutyltin dichloride. Pancreatitis w as characterized by histology, serum parameters, and immunohistochemis try, detecting inflammatory cells. Gene expression of collagen type I and transforming growth factor pr was shown by Northern blot analysis. Results: Dibutyltin dichloride induced an acute edematous pancreatiti s within 24 hours. Extensive infiltration with mononuclear cells could be observed after day 7 followed by the development of fibrosis. Para llel to the cell infiltration, an up-regulation of messenger RNA-encod ing collagen type I and transforming growth factor pi could be shown. An active inflammatory process could be shown until the end of the obs ervation period, i.e., 2 months. Conclusions: The findings suggest tha t dibutyltin dichloride-induced pancreatitis in rats is suitable to st udy cellular interactions and mediators involved in the development of pancreatic fibrosis.