Protective effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide against caerulein-induced pancreatitis in rats

The stimulation of sensory nerves by capsaicin exhibits the protective effect against caerulein-induced pancreatitis whereas deactivation of these nerves aggravates pancreatic damage evoked by overdose of caerulein. Calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) has been identified as the prominent mediator of sensory nerves. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of CGRP on the course of caerulein-induced pancreatitis (CIP). CIP led to a significant decrease in DNA synthesis and pancreatic blood flow (PBF) by 48% and 50% respectively, as well as a significant increase of pancreatic weight, plasma amylase concentration and development of the histological signs of pancreatic damage expressed as edema, leukocyte infiltration and vacuolization. Treatment with CGRP (2 x 10 micrograms/kg s.c.) attenuated the pancreatic tissue damage in caerulein-induced pancreatitis and completely reversed the deleterious effect of the ablation of sensory nerves on caerulein-induced pancreatitis. We conclude that CGRP exerts protective effect against caerulein-induced pancreatitis and is able to reverse the damage caused by deactivation of sensory nerves. Vasodilatation and preservation of pancreatic blood flow are involved in this effect.