Pancreatic tissue perfusion in experimental acute pancreatitis

Objective: To investigate pancreatic tissue perfusion and oxygenation in se vere and mild experimental acute pancreatitis in pigs. Design: Randomised controlled experiment. Setting: Animal laboratory, Finland. Animals: 24 domestic pigs weighing 21-27 kg. Interventions: 24 pigs were randomised into severe acute pancreatitis, mild acute pancreatitis and control groups (n = 8 in each). The pancreatic duct of eight anaesthetised and mechanically ventilated pigs was cannulated and taurocholic acid was infused into the pancreatic duct to induce severe acu te pancreatitis. Eight animals received intraductally infused saline and de veloped mild acute pancreatitis. Eight pigs had their ducts cannulated alon e, and served as controls. Main outcome measurements: Pancreatic tissue oxygenation, laser Doppler red cell flux, central haemodynamics. Results: Intraductally infused taurocholic acid rapidly induced macroscopic ally and histologically proven severe necrotising acute pancreatitis. Histo logical changes characterising mild acute pancreatitis. were seen in animal s after intraductal saline infusion. Pancreatic tissue oxygen tension decre ased in the severe group and increased in the mild group during the six-hou r study period. Laser Doppler red cell flux decreased in the severe group. Central haemodynamics, arterial blood gases, and acid base balances were st able throughout the study period in all groups. Conclusion: The present model of severe acute pancreatitis. significantly i mpairs pancreatic oxygenation in the early phase. In mild acute pancreatiti s, pancreatic oxygenation increases.