Effect of bile salt perfusion and intraduct pressure on ionic flux and mucosal ultrastructure in the pancreatic duct of the cat.
Net ionic flux and mucosal ultrastructure were examined following perfusion of the cat pancreatic duct with bicarbonate or sodium taurocholate solutions (5-40 mM). Taurocholate perfusion increased net Cl- gain, net HCO3- loss and net K+ gain and was associated with significant widening of lateral intercellular spaces and increased complexity of intercellular labyrinths. Increased perfusion pressure (30 mm Hg) did not affect flux or ultrastructure during perfusion with bicarbonate but increased net ion flux significantly during perfusion with 40 mM sodium taurocholate. Ultrastructural changes during perfusion of 40 mM taurocholate at increased pressure were not consistent but focal epithelial disruption and cell shedding were seen occasionally. The hypothesis is advanced that taurocholate perfusion triggers physiological transport mechanisms and may make the duct mucosa more vulnerable to other potentially harmful agents. The significance of these changes in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis in man remains uncertain and care must be exercised before extrapolating from observed net ion flux data in this animal model.
D000818:Animals; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000494:pharmacology; D001692:Biological Transport / Q000187:drug effects; D002415:Cats; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010183:Pancreatic Ducts / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011312:Pressure; D013656:Taurocholic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*
D001639:Bicarbonates; D004573:Electrolytes; D013656:Taurocholic Acid