Analysis of zinc and other elements in rat pancreas, with studies in acute pancreatitis.

Determination of the concentration of certain elements makes it possible to investigate the physiology of the pancreas. We used X-ray fluorescence to determine the concentrations of zinc and other elements in the pancreas of normal (control) rats and those with cerulein-induced pancreatitis. Ten elements (Zn, Ni, Fe, P, Ca, Cl, S, K, Ti, and Mn) were detected in controls. In the early stage of acute pancreatitis, the pancreatic concentrations of Zn, Ni, Fe, and P were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and those of Ca and Cl were significantly increased (P < 0.05), compared with control levels. However, levels of S, K, and Ti did not differ significantly from the control values. Mn was detected in only some samples. The serum levels of Zn and Fe were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) in acute pancreatitis. These observations indicate that Zn and these other nine elements could play an important role in acute pancreatitis.