Comparison of reg I and reg III levels during acute pancreatitis in the rat

Objective To study alterations of serum levels of the pancreatic reg family of protei ns in two models of acute pancreatitis. Summary Background Data The pancreatic reg family of proteins is expressed in the acinar pancreas. Reg I (pancreatic stone protein, PSP) and reg III (pancreatitis-associated protein, PAP) are induced after the onset of acute pancreatitis, and both h ave been proposed as potential markers of pancreatitis. Methods Pancreatitis was induced in rats by either retrograde infusion of sodium ta urocholate or by direct trauma. Serum samples were obtained daily for 4 day s after the procedure, and the animals were then killed. Twelve animals und erwent sham procedure and six underwent daily analysis without surgery. Lev els of reg I/PSP and reg III/PAP were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorb ent assay. Results Reg III/PAP levels increased significantly the first day after induction of both types of pancreatitis and rabidly returned to baseline in all survivo rs. Even animals who received retrograde infusion of saline showed a mild i ncrease in reg III/PAP on the first day, whereas control animals that did n ot undergo surgery showed no variations. Reg I/PSP serum levels remained un changed throughout all experimental periods. Postinjury reg III/PAP levels significantly correlated with severity of the pancreatic injury and animal survival; reg I/PSP levels did not. Conclusion After induction of pancreatitis, serum levels of reg I and III protein diff er significantly. Reg III/PAP levels are a sensitive marker of pancreatic i njury and early in the disease may be a useful prognostic indicator for dis ease severity.