[Acute experimental pancreatitis in the opossum. The role of prior truncular vagotomy on the inflammatory response].

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common cause of admission to the emergency room. Its etiopathogeny is poorly understood. The pancreatic inflammatory response in this process is unclear. The influence of the autonomic nervous system is a controversial issue.

AIMS: To demonstrate the effects of truncular vagotomy on AP due to duodenal distention in the South American opossum. PLACE OF APPLICATION: Department of experimental surgery (Churruca-Visca Hospital) INEUCI (Neuroscience Institute, CONICET, UBA).

POPULATION: Male and female South American opossum divided into: a control group (7 animals); group A: truncular vagotomy and pyloroplasty seven days after the onset of AP (7 animals). Group B: truncular vagotomy and pyloroplasty 30 days after provoking AP (7 animals). Group C: truncular vagotomy and pyloroplasty 45 days after the onset of AP (7 animals).

METHODS

Acute pancreatitis was caused by duodenal distention of the second portion by inserting a Foley catheter through a gastrostomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The method of provoking AP is original. The influence of autonomous nervous system is being underestimated in most of the literature available.