[Experimental models of acute pancreatitis. Critical review]

Experimental models of acute pancreatitis have been developed for more than a century. Although not closely comparable to human disease, they have contributed to our understanding of the physiopathology and cell biology of the disease. The methods used for the induction are subjected to critical examination. In the relevant literature findings, the advantages of each group are underscored, and reference is made to their defects with regard to reproducibility and reliability, with a view to extending the results obtained to human pathology. A proper understanding and standardization of these models may enable us to choose the most suitable model for studying a given aspect of the disease or for evaluating new treatment protocols. The data collected has made it possible to select standardization criteria for a comparative experimental study in the laboratory.