Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
08:18
A Model of Chronic Nutrient Infusion in the Rat
Published on: August 14, 2013
Dynamic changes of pancreatic structure and function in rats treated chronically with nicotine
1Department of Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Martinez, California 94553.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Nicotine exposure increases pancreatic digestive enzyme production and accumulation in rats. Long-term nicotine treatment leads to altered enzyme release and pancreatic cell damage.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nicotine is a primary component of tobacco products with known systemic effects.
- The impact of chronic nicotine exposure on pancreatic exocrine function is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic nicotine administration on pancreatic enzyme biosynthesis, release, and morphology in adult male rats.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subcutaneously implanted with nicotine pellets (5, 15, or 50 mg) or placebo for 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 weeks.
- Pancreatic trypsin and chymotrypsin activities, amylase mRNA levels, and secretagogue-stimulated enzyme release were measured.
- Pancreatic morphology was examined using electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- High-dose nicotine (50 mg) significantly increased pancreatic trypsin and chymotrypsin activities and amylase mRNA levels after 12 weeks.
- Nicotine exposure altered secretagogue-stimulated enzyme release, with initial increases followed by declines below control levels.
- Electron microscopy revealed intracytoplasmic vacuoles in pancreatic acinar cells after 3 weeks of high-dose nicotine treatment.
Conclusions:
- Chronic nicotine administration induces increased pancreatic digestive enzyme biosynthesis and accumulation.
- Nicotine exposure leads to altered pancreatic acinar cell responsiveness to secretagogues.
- Long-term nicotine treatment results in morphological damage to the pancreas.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
01:29Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
Assessment:
01:21Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis centers on injury to pancreatic acinar cells, which initiates a cascade of harmful intracellular events.This injury leads to premature activation of trypsinogen to trypsin in the pancreas. Trypsin then activates other digestive enzymes, such as chymotrypsin, elastase, and phospholipase A2, which begin breaking down pancreatic tissue. The resulting autodigestion causes local inflammation, tissue swelling, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis.Injured acinar cells...
01:25Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...
01:21Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...