Experimental acute infectious pancreatitis in rats: histological observations

Microbic contamination has been shown to be a secondary pathogenetic factor in different models of acute pancreatitis. In this paper, we developed an experimental bacterial model of necrotizing acute pancreatitis (NAP). Forty rats were treated by direct inoculation of a suspension of a clinically isolated strain of Escherichia coli, with three different single 0.33 ml injections, into the head, body and tail of the pancreas. Twenty five rats were sham operated and injected with saline. All animals were sacrificed at 48 hours, 4, 6, and 12 days. This experimental model appeared easy to execute without evidence of mortality. Histomorphologically, haemorrhagic NAP was observed, with its final recovery and minimal residual and focal fibrosis of the gland. As reported in the literature, our data underline the relevance of the bacterial component on pathogenesis of NAP, especially as an aggravating factor.