Pancreatic duct obstruction is an aggravating factor in the canine model of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Chronic alcoholic pancreatitis occurs in only a limited number of heavy drinkers. Other factors than alcohol are necessary for the occurrence of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to examine whether pancreatic duct obstruction resulted in increased alcohol-induced parenchymal cell damage.

METHODS

Four groups of adult mongrel dogs were used. In group A, 2. 0 g . kg-1 . day-1 of ethanol was administered via a gastric cannula. In group O, after ligation of the minor pancreatic duct, a polyethylene tube was inserted transduodenally into the major duct. In group AO, the protocols used in groups A and O were combined. Laparotomy was repeated after 3 months in each group.

RESULTS

Three of the 9 dogs in group AO had pancreatic calculi in the main pancreatic duct. Moderate interlobular fibrosis, parenchymal cell loss, and inflammatory cell infiltration resembling human chronic alcoholic pancreatitis were observed in group AO. Little change was observed in groups A and O. Exocrine function assessed by secretin test in group AO was significantly reduced. Total protein, hexosamine, and calcium contents of the pancreatic juice in group AO were significantly increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Pancreatic duct obstruction is an aggravating factor in chronic alcoholic pancreatitis.