CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that LPS infusion can induce tissue lesions and impair the exocrine protein secretion of the pancreas in rats. BACKGROUND: The effect of chronic ip infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the exocrine pancreas function was studies in rats. METHODS: Four milligrams per kilogram per day of Salmonella typhi LPS were infused intraperitoneally by means of surgically implanted osmotic pumps. Rats were studied after 7-d LPS infusion. RESULTS: Plasma fibrinogen and amylase activity increased significantly in LPS-treated rats when compared with control rats. Histological examination of the pancreas showed congestion, infiltration, and focal necrosis in LPS-treated rats. The pancreas wet weight, as well as DNA and total soluble protein contents were significantly increased in LPS-treated animals when compared with controls. The pancreas protein output was significantly decreased in pure pancreatic juice, whereas the pancreatic juice flow rate was significantly increased in LPS-treated animals, when compared with controls. Electrophoretic patterns showed a marked decrease in digestive enzyme contents, whereas there was an increased content of 15 kDa protein.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that LPS infusion can induce tissue lesions and impair the exocrine protein secretion of the pancreas in rats. BACKGROUND: The effect of chronic ip infusion of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the exocrine pancreas function was studies in rats. METHODS: Four milligrams per kilogram per day of Salmonella typhi LPS were infused intraperitoneally by means of surgically implanted osmotic pumps. Rats were studied after 7-d LPS infusion. RESULTS: Plasma fibrinogen and amylase activity increased significantly in LPS-treated rats when compared with control rats. Histological examination of the pancreas showed congestion, infiltration, and focal necrosis in LPS-treated rats. The pancreas wet weight, as well as DNA and total soluble protein contents were significantly increased in LPS-treated animals when compared with controls. The pancreas protein output was significantly decreased in pure pancreatic juice, whereas the pancreatic juice flow rate was significantly increased in LPS-treated animals, when compared with controls. Electrophoretic patterns showed a marked decrease in digestive enzyme contents, whereas there was an increased content of 15 kDa protein.