Ultrastructural changes in acinar cells of hamster pancreas in chemically induced carcinogenesis

Ultrastructural changes arising in the pancreas of the Syrian golden hamster after treatment with N-nitrosobis (2-oxopropyl) amine (BOP) were studied at short intervals. Alterations were found in acinar cells i.e. loss of zymogen granules, dilatation of granular endoplasmic reticulum, depolarization, irregular nucleus and separation of lateral surfaces (intermembranary spaces). As a result, the compact morphology of normal acini switched towards a new structure resembling a pseudo-ductule. Such alterations occurred from the 3rd month and preceded tumor formation. It is noteworthy that ducts and islets of Langerhans appeared unaltered in all instances. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that BOP induced pancreatic adenocarcinoma in hamsters originates in the acinar cell.