We examined the effects of fasting and non-fasting on gallstone-related acu
te pancreatitis by the occlusion of the common bile duct (OCD). We prepared
a rat OCD-induced pancreatitis model under both fasting and non-fasting co
nditions, and we measured amylase activity in ascites as well as production
of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We also examined the pathology o
f the pancreas, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in some tissues and mortalit
y rates. In the fasted OCD group, ascites containing a large amount of amyl
ase, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and cytokine-ind
uced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1) as well as marked hemorrhage and
necrosis of the pancreatic acinar cells were observed. Pulmonary MPO activ
ity increased 3.4-fold compared to the control group. In the non-fasted OCD
group, there was no development of ascites. Slight necrosis of acinar cell
s and slight increases in pulmonary MPO activity were observed. In addition
, in the fasted OCD group, the cumulative mortality rate was 50% 6 days aft
er ligation. However, in the non-fasted OCD group, none of the animals died
. These results suggest that gallstone-related severe pancreatitis depends
on fasting-related structural and/or functional changes in the pancreas. Mo
reover, increased production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in as
cites under fasting condition may be involved in multiple organ failure res
ulting from severe acute pancreatitis.