Influence of bile duct occlusion on the exocrine pancreas in rats

The exocrine pancreas was studied in the rat after both prolonged permanent and transient biliary obstruction. Double ligation, transection, and transposition of the distal end of the bile duct rendered the animal permanently jaundiced, whereas simple ligation led to a transient jaundice followed by restitution within 15-20 days. In permanent cholestasis pancreatic mass and protein, DNA, amylase, and trypsinogen content were increased. Transient cholestasis probably had only transient effects, since no significant changes in pancreatic mass, protein, DNA or enzymes could be found at 3-5 weeks after surgery. The results show that obstructive jaundice with absence of bile flow to the intestine causes enlargement of the pancreas due to parenchymatous hyperplasia and interstitial edema.