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Fine structrual relation between pancreatic excretory ductules and intercellular spaces
Experientia
|December 15, 1976
Summary
Horse-radish peroxidase easily entered pancreatic interstitial spaces in rats and dogs. However, tight junctions between acinar cells blocked its direct path to ductules, suggesting injury facilitates entry.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Histology
Background:
- The pancreatic ductal system's permeability is crucial for understanding exocrine secretion and disease.
- Investigating the integrity of the acinar barrier is essential for pancreatic research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the permeability of pancreatic acinar and ductal structures to tracers.
- To determine the pathway of tracer entry into pancreatic interstitial spaces.
Main Methods:
- Intravenous injection of horse-radish peroxidase in rats.
- Intraductal infusion of horse-radish peroxidase and colloidal carbon in dogs under pressure.
- Microscopic examination of tissue to track tracer distribution.
Main Results:
- Horse-radish peroxidase readily entered interstitial spaces surrounding pancreatic acini after intravenous injection.
- Intraductal infusion of tracers revealed zonulae occuldentes form a barrier between acinar cells and ductal lumen.
- Pressure-induced injury to acinar cells allowed intraductally infused tracers to penetrate interstitial spaces.
Conclusions:
- Pancreatic acinar cells, when intact, present a barrier to direct tracer movement from the lumen to the interstitium.
- Elevated pressure during intraductal infusion can compromise acinar cell integrity, facilitating tracer extravasation.
- Understanding these pathways is vital for diagnosing and treating pancreatic conditions.