A rat model to study hypercalcemia-induced acute pancreatitis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Endocrinology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Hypercalcemia is a known cause of acute pancreatitis in humans and certain animal models.
• Rats are frequently used in experimental pancreatitis research, necessitating an understanding of hypercalcemia's effects in this species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of hypercalcemia on amylase release and pancreatic tissue in rats.
• To determine if hypercalcemia can induce experimental pancreatitis in rats.

Main Methods:

• In vitro: Rat pancreatic lobules were incubated with varying concentrations of calcium chloride (CaCl2) with or without carbachol, and amylase release was measured.
• In vivo: Rats received a 12-hour continuous infusion of CaCl2, and pancreatic tissue was histologically examined.

Main Results:

• In vitro studies demonstrated that higher calcium concentrations significantly increased both basal and carbachol-stimulated amylase release from pancreatic lobules.
• In vivo studies revealed that calcium infusion led to pancreatic acinar cell injury, including zymogen granule accumulation, vacuolization, and necrosis.

Conclusions:

• Hypercalcemia stimulates amylase release from rat pancreatic lobules.
• Elevated calcium levels induce pancreatic injury in rats, supporting its role in the pathogenesis of experimental pancreatitis.