Generation of Free Oxygen Radicals in the Pathogenesis of Experimental Acute Reflux Pancreatitis

In dogs with acute reflux pancreatitis specific activity of superoxide dismutase in the pancreas rapidly increased (over 15 min). Activation of this enzyme by free oxygen radicals was demonstrated in in vitro experiments. Treatment with allopurinol prevented activation of superoxide dismutase. Our results indicate that superoxide ions are generated in the pancreas at the early stage of acute reflux pancreatitis due to activation of xanthine oxidase.