The sequential changes in pancreatic exocrine function after abdominal surgery in the rat.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Research
• Physiology

Background:

• Postoperative recovery significantly impacts physiological functions.
• Understanding pancreatic exocrine function recovery is crucial for surgical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the time course of pancreatic secretion changes after surgery in rats.
• To determine the optimal recovery period before conducting exocrine function experiments.

Main Methods:

• Rats underwent pancreatic and intestinal surgery with cannulation for monitoring secretions.
• Pancreatic responses were assessed daily using intraduodenal Trasylol, bile-pancreatic juice diversion, and exogenous secretin/cerulein.
• Body weight, basal protein, and fluid output were measured.

Main Results:

• Basal protein output was reduced in the first two postoperative days.
• Pancreatic feedback responses to bile-pancreatic juice diversion were attenuated for the first three days.
• Responses to direct secretin and cerulein stimulation were less affected by recovery time.

Conclusions:

• The pancreas can respond to direct stimulation within 24 hours post-surgery.
• Intestinally mediated pancreatic secretion requires at least three days for recovery.
• A three-day postoperative recovery period is recommended for reliable pancreatic exocrine function studies in rats.