Impaired pancreatic exocrine function in rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis.

Background: Substantial numbers of studies have revealed the close correlation between chronic pancreatitis and cirrhosis in human. However, the situation with regard to pancreatic enzyme secretion is less clear.

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate pancreatic exocrine function in rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis in rats.

Methods: Pancreatic exocrine function and morphology in Sprague-Dawley rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis were investigated. Pancreatic exocrine functions stimulated by cholecystokinin-8 and other secretagogs were assessed in isolated pancreatic acini, and in vivo and morphological changes were studied by routine histological examination and electron microscopy.

Results: The basal and cholecystokinin-8-stimulated amylase releases from acini and acinar amylase content were significantly lower in the cirrhotic rats than the control. None of the secretagogs induced the some amount of amylase release in cirrhotic as in control rats. Volume of the pancreatic juice and outputs of amylase and protein were significantly decreased under basal and cholecystokinin-8-stimulated conditions in vivo. Electron microscopy revealed most of the rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum accompanying less numbers of ribosomes to be dilated and some mitochondria to be swollen in cirrhotic rats.

Conclusion: Pancreatic exocrine functions are decreased in cirrhotic rats owing to alterations at the electron microscopic levels, reflecting an impaired acinar intracellular messenger system.