A new technique for chronic pancreatic cannulation in rats

A new type of chronic pancreatic cannula is intended for examination of pancreatic exocrine secretion in conscious rats moving freely in their cages between the experiments. The recirculation of pancreatic juice and the free flow of bile into the duodenum is ensured. The pancreatic juice volume, protein output, amylase activity, and bicarbonate output were significantly higher in the chronically cannulated conscious rats than in the acutely anaesthetized cannulated rats. Advantages of the new cannula and the cannulation technique are described.