Die experimentelle Pankreatitis beginnt mit einem Loch in der Wand

Abstract

Cell membrane disruption take place in different cell systems under physiological and pathological conditions. We tested the hypothesis that disruption of acinar cell membranes take place in the onset of acute pancreatitis.

Cerulein pancreatitis was induced in rats. Furthermore, stimulation with different doses of bombesin, pilocarpine and cerulein was performed. Fifteen and 30 minutes after initiation of treatment, animals were sacrificed. Disruption of cell membranes was detected by the penetration of the experimental animal’s own albumin into acinar cells by immunocytological localization. Tissue was further analyzed by electron microscopy and electron microscopic immunostaining.

Animals with pancreatitis displayed significantly greater anti-albumin immunostaining in the cytoplasm of acinar cells and in vacuoles in comparison to controls, confirming membrane disruption. This was not detectable after stimulation with bombesin, pilocarpine and non-supramaximal doses of cerulein. Results were verified by electron microscopy and electron microscopy immunohistochemistry.

The penetration of albumin into acinar cells indicates that wounding of their plasma membrane occurs at the onset of acute pancreatitis. Disruption of the membranes could be expected to allow the influx of calcium ions, causing massive intracellular alterations, and exit of molecules such as enzymes from acinar cells.