[Topochemical and electron microscopical analysis of the pancreas of dogs after pancreatic denervation].

Histochemical and electronmicroscopic findings on chronically and selectively denervated pancreata of 8 dogs are described. Most nerve fibers showed marked degeneration and perineuritis, and there was an inflammation of intrapancreatic ganglia. There was no change in the number of islets or in the A-B-cell ratio. Insulitis frequently has been observed. Both immunohistochemically demonstrable insulin in the B-cells, and glucagon in the A-cells were reduced in relation to that in non-denervated controls. There were single A- and B-cells within the acini in an apparently normal frequency. Many pancreata showed a chronic infiltration and fibroblastic inflammation within the acini but their extent varied considerably between the animals. Intrapancreatic blood vessels were generally dilated, hyperemic, and perivascular fibrosis was seen in some cases; the vessels contained many leucocytes. Acinar cells were often subjected to vacuolic degeneration. Another part of them showed, however, increased appearance of ergastoplasm, mitochondria, and of Golgi apparatus as a sign of increased functional stimulation. There were fibrosis and mononuclear infiltration in the medium-sized and large pancreatic ducts.