Effect of prostaglandins E2 and I2 and of indomethacin on deoxycholic acid-induced damage to the rat bile-pancreatic duct.

Alterations in the permeability and histology of the pancreatic ductal mucosa have been demonstrated in the cat after an intraductal infusion of deoxycholic acid. In order to define the role of prostaglandins in the pathogenesis of the mucosal lesion, an isotonic electrolyte solution was perfused through a segment of the pancreatic duct of anesthetized rats for 1 h, before and after a 10-min perfusion with 10 mM deoxycholic acid. Prostaglandin E2 or I2 was infused (intraarterially, intravenously, or intraductally) for 30 min beginning 20 min before deoxycholic acid infusion. Indomethacin (5 mg/kg intravenously) was given 30 min before deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid increased ductal permeability and produced severe epithelial necrosis. Neither prostaglandin nor indomethacin affected the alterations induced by deoxycholic acid. In the experimental model tested, neither inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis nor administration of exogenous prostaglandins altered the effects of deoxycholic acid.