Function of the autotransplanted pancreatic segment in the dog

Autotransplantation of the left lobe of the pancreas to the neck vessels was performed in 13 dogs. The technique employed made it possible to examine pancreatic secretion and arteriovenous difference in enzymes immediately after transplantation. Following functional examination the pancreatic duct was ligated. From 4 to 20 postoperative days the graft was intact only in 3 dogs. Severe autolysis of the graft and/or of the surrounding tissue developed in ten dogs 4 to 6 days after transplantation. Stimulation with secretin elicited immediate secretion response of the graft, the volume of secretion and output of amylase corresponding to normal values. A statistically significant arteriovenous difference was found both for amylase and LDH before and after secretin. Stimulation of exocrine secretion of the graft elicited a marked increase of enzyme concentration in the arterial and particularly in the venous blood of the graft. Cellular damage with subsequent leakage of enzymes into extracellular fluid plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of autolysis of the graft and surrounding tissues.