Calcium channel blockers in experimental acute pancreatitis: effect on tissue prostanoids and oxygen free radicals

The effect of verapamil administration on the changes of prostanoid synthesis, and on free radical production associated with acute pancreatitis, has been evaluated. A necrohemorrhagic model of pancreatitis was induced in Wistar rats by intraductal administration of sodium taurocholate (3.5%). This model is associated with initial increases in prostanoid synthesis and peroxidative damage. Verapamil, administered before pancreatitis induction, prevented initial increases in 6-keto prostaglandin F1alpha (PGF1alpha) and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) but had no effect on PGF2alpha or PGE2 or on lipoperoxidative damage. These results indicate that verapamil administration prevents the increases in pancreatic vasoactive prostanoids (TXB2 and 6-keto PGF1alpha) without affecting the increased levels of PGE2 and PGF2alpha and has no effect on oxygen free radical production in the initial stages of experimental acute pancreatitis.