[Effect of ethanol on the ultrastructure of pancreatic acini]

Histological and ultrastructural changes of the acinar parenchyma of the pancreas under the influence of ethanol were studied on Wistar rats. Lipid inclusions in the cytoplasm of the acinar cells and mitochondrial changes were referred to the functional ones. The opinion of some investigators on the cytotoxic influence of alcohol on the pancreas was not confirmed by the author. The results of this investigation indicate that the leading role of alcohol in the etiology of acute pancreatitis is doubtful.