[Significance of the complement system in acute pancreatitis in rats]

The influence of complement system in acute pancreatitis in the rat was examined. Two different experimental procedures were used to induce pancreatitis: distal choledochal ligature and the Pfeffer model as modified by NEVALAINEN. In both procedures an acute pancreatitis developed and complement depression was noted. These results showed that consumption of complement will occur even in pancreatitis induced by other than immunologic models. In a second series the same experimental procedures were used in rats that had been decomplemented by application of cobra venom factor. It was possible to produce an acute pancreatitis of moderate severity.