Production of pancreatitis in rabbits by intestinal re-instillation of stimulated pancreatic secretion.

Pathological changes reminiscent of acute pancreatitis in man were observed in rabbits as a result of the intestinal instillation of pancreatic secretion produced by continuous cholinergic stimulation. Both the cause and nature of the pathological changes suggest a bloodborne disease produced by the absorption of digestive enzyme. It is proposed that acute pancreatitis can be the consequence of the absorption of active digestive enzyme in quantities and at rates sufficient to overwhelm natural defence mechanisms.