Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Establishment of a Mouse Severe Acute Pancreatitis Model using Retrograde Injection of Sodium Taurocholate into the Biliopancreatic Duct
Published on: April 1, 2022
Statin pretreatment in experimental acute pancreatitis
José Luiz Almeida1, Sandra Nassa Sampietre, Ana Maria Mendonça Coelho
1Department of Gastroenterology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil. josluizalmeida@yahoo.com.br
Context:
Some authors have found beneficial effect of statins in certain inflammatory conditions, but the effect of statins on acute pancreatitis is not yet defined.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of simvastatin on an experimental model of mild and severe acute pancreatitis.
Animals:
One hundred and one Wistar rats with cerulein or taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis were used in this study.
Design:
The rats were divided into two groups: Group I (n=51) received two previously i.p. injections (18+/-2 and 3+/-1 hours) of simvastatin (200 microg/kg) and Group II (n=50) received two previously i.p. injections of saline. Both groups were subdivided into two subgroups: mild pancreatitis (cerulein-induced; IA, n=10; IIA, n=10) and severe pancreatitis (taurocholate-induced; IB, n=41; IIB, n=40).
Main Outcome Measures:
The parameters evaluated were: pancreatic vascular permeability, tissue water content, histologic lesion, amylase serum levels in rats with mild pancreatitis (subgroups A); mortality rate, serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, amylase, pulmonary myeloperoxidase activity and ascitic levels of TNF-alpha in rats with severe pancreatitis (subgroups B).
Results:
Serum levels of IL-10 were significantly lower in the simvastatin-treated group as well as the myeloperoxidase activity. There was no significant difference in any of other studied parameters.
Conclusion:
Simvastatin appears to reduce inflammatory cytokines and pulmonary neutrophilic activation in the severe acute pancreatitis model, but there is no significant effect on survival curve, in spite of a clear trend towards a better survival in the simvastatin group.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

