Improvement of impaired pancreatic microcirculation by isovolemic hemodilution protects pancreatic morphology in acute biliary pancreatitis.

Impairment of the pancreatic microcirculation is a characteristic finding in experimental biliary pancreatitis. Isovolemic hemodilution with dextran 60 has been proven to maintain pancreatic capillary perfusion. To evaluate the significance of this therapeutic approach with respect to histologic changes, intravital microscopic assessment of the microcirculation was combined with a morphometric analysis of the pancreas by means of light microscopy in rabbits (n = 18). Pancreatic capillary perfusion was maintained in the rabbits subjected to hemodilution 30 minutes after the induction of pancreatitis with 54 percent of the capillaries still being perfused at 12 hours, compared with only 16 percent in the control group. The improved capillary perfusion resulted in a significant reduction of those changes considered potentially reversible (cell vacuolization and interstitial edema) that surround zones of necrosis. However, because of the early establishment of necrosis in this model, hemodilution was unsuccessful in preventing all cell death. Hemodilution can limit the progressive extension of pancreatic injury in this model of biliary pancreatitis.