The broiler chicken as a model for studying partial exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

A reliable partial exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (pEPI) model does not exist in research practice. All such models used in preclinical and nutritional experimental studies are based on the resection of part of the pancreatic parenchyma. In the current study we attempted to develop a reliable pEPI model, considering the anatomy of the pancreas in the chicken. In the chicken, pancreatic juice enters the duodenum via 3 independent ducts. In the current study we ligated the ventral pancreatic duct, thus developing a pEPI. We have used twelve chickens, which were divided in three groups: the Control group of fistulated chickens, the PDL group of pancreatic duct ligated (PDL) birds and the PDL+Enzymes group, where PDL chickens received porcine pancreatic enzymes. The development of pEPI was confirmed by significant changes in the growth pattern of the chickens, altered profiles of postprandial pancreatic enzyme activity in duodenal chyme and blood, as well as postprandial levels of the end-products of proteolysis in plasma and structural changes in pancreatic tissue of chickens following pancreatic duct ligation. Mixed-effects analysis revealed significant effects of prandial status, pancreatic status and their interactions on trypsin and alkaline phosphatase activity in duodenal chyme. The activity of plasma alkaline phosphatase, as well as phosphatase-protease ratio and total plasma calcium content in PDL birds were significantly decreased by 55%, 63% and 65.7%, respectively, when compared to the Control group. Plasma triglycerides levels in PDL birds were increased by 4.4 fold when compared to the healthy Control birds. All these changes were reactive and sensitive to enzyme supplementation and all the above-mentioned parameters were improved in the PDL+Enzymes group. Due to the fast metabolism of broiler chickens, the current model could be considered as a new, promising tool for the investigation of pancreatic development and pathology, as well as the consequences of EPI with regards to the homeostasis of entire organisms. This model deserves attention and future studies to demonstrate its benefits both for basic science and clinical practice.