Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026

Preparing a Mice Model of Severe Acute Pancreatitis via a Combination of Caerulein and Lipopolysaccharide Intraperitoneal Injection
Published on: May 10, 2024
Fetal microchimerism in mouse caerulein-induced pancreatitis model
Zahra Vojdani1, Jafar Bagheri1, Tahereh Talaei-Khozani1
1Laboratory for Stem Cell Research, Anatomy Department, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Pregnancy may protect against acute pancreatitis (AP) in mice. Fetal cells (microchimerism) were found in the pancreas, potentially aiding recovery from AP.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Fetal microchimerism involves fetal cells persisting in the maternal body.
- Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory condition of the pancreas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fetal microchimerism in the pancreas of mice with acute pancreatitis.
- To assess the impact of pregnancy on AP severity in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Established an acute pancreatitis model in mice using caerulein injection.
- Utilized EGFP+ transgenic mice to track fetal cells.
- Analyzed pancreatic tissue via histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and PCR.
Main Results:
- Fetal EGFP+ cells were detected in the pancreas of pregnant mice with AP.
- These cells differentiated into various pancreatic cell types.
- Mice with a history of pregnancy showed improved pancreatitis scores.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy appears to exert a protective effect on acute pancreatitis in mice.
- Fetal microchimerism may play a role in the beneficial impact of pregnancy on AP.
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