Effects of taurine on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in the rat

Taurine, or 2-aminoethane sulfonic acid, is an intracellular amino acid and has been suggested to have a function in protecting biological systems fro m oxidative tissue damage, The aim of this study was to determine the effec t of taurine against cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats. Acute pan creatitis was induced by administering three subcutaneous injections of cer ulein (40 mug/kg body weight) at 1-hour intervals, while taurine was admini stered intravenously at graded doses (30, 100, or 300 mg/kg, respectively) following the fi rst cerulein injection. The severities of pancreatitis and lung injury were determined by measuring biochemical parameters, tissue my eloper-oxidase (MPO), and histological changes. To clarify the mechanism of taurine, serum IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha levels and tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. In cerulein-induced acute edematous pancreatitis, treatment: with taurine significantly decreased hyperamylasem ia, tissue MPO, pancreatic edema, and the extent of pancreatic and pulmonar y injury. Taurine decreased MDA concentration in the pancreas and lung, but not the serum cytokine concentration. We would conclude that taurine has b eneficial effects in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis and lung injuries by preventing the production of oxygen free radicals. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.