Enterogenous endotoxemia converts edematous pancreatitis to necrotizing pancreatitis in mice.

Objective To investigate the deleterious effects of enterogenous endotoxemia on the course of acute pancreatitis in mice, and its possible mechanisms. Methods Sixty five C57BL/6 mice were assigned to 4 groups randomly, including acute edematous pancreatitis (AEP), lipopolysacchride (LPS), AEP plus LPS and normal control. AEP was induced by intraperitoneal injection of cerulein with a dosage of 50 μg/kg at hourly interval for seven times under ether anesthesia. LPS was administrated via a gastric tube with a dosage of 5 mg/kg at 6 h after the first cerulein or saline injection. Serum amylase and LDH activities were measured at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 5 d. Pathological alteration in pancreas was studied. Expressions of Mac 1 (CD11b/CD18), P selectin, E selectin and ICAM 1 were evaluated by using inmmunohistochemical procedures. Expressions of cytokine genes were determined by means of RT PCR and Southern blot. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in pancreas was also analyzed. Results Cerulein induced a typical changes of AEP in mice, which was confirmed by pathological changes and hyperamylasemia. LPS alone didn't develop either morphological changes or biochemical alterations. However, cerulein induced AEP challenged by LPS could cause marked parenchymal necrosis and hemorrhage with significant increment of serum amylase and LDH activities. Expressions of Mac 1, P selectin, E selectin and ICAM 1 in pancreas were enhanced. Cytokine genes including TNFα,IL 1β,IL 6 and IFNγ mRNA were also upregulated. MPO activity was increased. Conclusion This study suggested that enterogenous endotoxemia, which could not induce pancreatic injury per se , could induce AEP into ANP in mice. Over stimulation of neutrophils and releasing of pro inflammatory mediators might be the contributing factors.