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Updated: May 16, 2026
Stabilized Longitudinal In Vivo Cellular-Level Visualization of the Pancreas in a Murine Model with a Pancreatic Intravital Imaging Window
Published on: May 6, 2021
Microdialysis in early detection of temporary pancreatic ischemia in a porcine model
Background:
Ischemic injury to the pancreas occurs in various clinical conditions. A method for online monitoring of pathophysiological events in pancreatic parenchyma is missing.
Aims:
To assess the timing of microdialysis (MD) technique response on temporary changes in pancreatic perfusion, and to evaluate the relationship between MD data and systemic markers of anaerobic metabolism and inflammation.
Methods:
In anaesthetized normoventilated pigs, MD probes were placed in right (control) and left (ischemic) pancreatic lobes, respectively. Following the clamping of the vessels, ischemia was verified by tissue oxygen tension (P(ti)O(2)) measurements.
Results:
P(ti)O(2) decreased within 20 min after the clamping of the vessels, already returning to baseline levels at the first sampling point after the removal of the clamp. MD lactate levels increased, whereas pyruvate and glucose levels decreased at 20 min after the induction of ischemia. These trends continued until the end of ischemia and returned to baseline following reperfusion. Serum lactate, amylase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels decreased throughout the protocol time.
Conclusion:
MD data were in concordance with changes in P(ti)O(2), which is indicative of local anaerobic metabolism. MD allowed the detection of pathophysiological processes within the ischemic pancreas at a stage when no elevations of systemic markers of ischemia or inflammation were observed.
Insights
Microdialysis (MD) can detect early pancreatic ischemia by monitoring local anaerobic metabolism. This technique identifies pathophysiological changes before systemic markers of ischemia or inflammation appear.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Research
- Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Pancreatic ischemia is a critical issue in various clinical scenarios.
- A lack of real-time monitoring methods for pancreatic pathophysiological events exists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the microdialysis (MD) technique's response timing to transient pancreatic perfusion changes.
- To correlate MD data with systemic markers of anaerobic metabolism and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- MD probes were inserted into control and ischemic pancreatic lobes in pigs.
- Ischemia was induced by vessel clamping and confirmed by tissue oxygen tension (P(ti)O(2)) measurements.
Main Results:
- P(ti)O(2) decreased rapidly upon ischemia induction and normalized post-reperfusion.
- MD revealed increased lactate and decreased pyruvate/glucose levels within 20 minutes of ischemia.
- Systemic markers (lactate, amylase, TNF-α) did not show expected elevations during the protocol.
Conclusions:
- MD accurately reflects local pancreatic anaerobic metabolism, correlating with P(ti)O(2) changes.
- MD detects early pathophysiological events in ischemic pancreatitis before systemic markers are affected.
