Research on the pancreatic injury after autologous liver transplantation in rats.

Objective To investigate the causes of pancreatic injury after autologous liver transplantation in rats. Methods Forty-two SD rats were randomly divided into post autologons liver transplantation 1-hour group, 6-hour group, 12-hour group, 24-hour group, 48-hour group, 72-hour group and sham group (6 rats per group). The plasma concentrations of amylase and lipase were measured to assess pancreatic exocrine function. The histomorphological changes of pancreatic tissue were studied under optical and electron microscopes. All data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA. Results The plasma concentrations of amylase and lipnse in post autologous liver transplantation 1-hour group were significantly higher than those in sham group, and they gradually increased as time passed by. The plasma concentrations of amylase and lipase reached peak at hour 48, after which they decreased gradually. There was a significant difference in the plasma concentration of amylase and lipase among the 7 groups (F = 538.622,489.417, P < 0.05). Acute edematous pancreatitis was observed 1 hour after autolognus liver transplantation, and acute hemorrhagic necrotic pancreatitis was observed 6 hours after transplantation. The degree of injury reached a peak 48 hours after transplantation. The number of mitochondria was increased, and endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus were swollen 1 hour after transplantation, and the area, perimeter, specific surface area and mean gray value of mitochondria were (312±40) mm2, (80.3±3.8)mm, 0.332±0.039 and 113±11, respectively. As time passed by, the injury of the pancreatic cells was aggravated and autophagosomes were observed. The injury was most severe 48 hours after transplantation, and the area, perimeter, specific surface area and mean gray value of mitochondria were (466±7) mm2, (108.8±3.7) mm, 0.298±0.009 and 195±12, respectively. There were significant differences in the specific surface area and mean gray value among all the groups (F = 9.322, 76.560, P < 0.05). Conclusion The pancreatic injury after autologous liver transplantation is related to the energy metabolism of the pancreatic cells induced by hypoxia. Key words: Liver transplantation;  Pancreas;  Injury. Morphology;  Rats