[Ultrastructural changes in rat liver in early stages of experimental acute pancreatitis]

Morphologic disorders in the liver during the acute pancreatitis are an important aspect of multiorgan disturbances seen in this disease. The study aimed at evaluating ultrastructural disorders in the of the experimental pancreatitis. The study involved 24 male Wistar rats. The acute experimental pancreatitis has been produced by the injection of a 5% sodium taurocholate during sterile laparotomy. Samples for examination have been taken after 1, 3, 6, and 12 hours. Collected samples have been examined systematically. Mitochondrial pleomorphism, partial RER degranulation, decrease in glycogen content, and autophagocytosis have been noted already within 1 and 3 hours. The degree of these disorders has increased within 6 hours, reaching its peak after 12 hours. Marked degeneration of mitochondria, high autophagocytosis, nearly complete disappearance of glycogen, impaired sinusal endothelium, and Kupffer's cells stimulation, in which increased phagocytic activity has been noted made a complete picture of the ultrastructural disorders. Such morphologic changes in the liver have indicated its damage in the early stages of the acute pancreatitis. It may be of importance for the development of multiorgan complications of this disease.