[Ultrastructural aspects in the pathogenesis of desoxycholat--pancreatitis (author's transl)].

After intraperitoneal application of desoxycholate in cells of exocrine pancreas, ultrastructural alterations are observed. Initial changes are seen in mitochondria and focal parts of the endoplasmic reticulum. In later experimental stages there is sizable increase in the extent of the initially focal degradations, in such a way that great areas of the cytoplasm are involved. It is remarkable to note, that there are no indications about any disturbance in the synthesis and excretion of zymogen granules. The described morphological alterations will be discussed as conceivably being caused primarily by an irritation in the lipoid metabolism of the membrane.