Abstract
One hundred and fifty ddy-mice (6 weeks old, male) were prepared for the examination, and divided into four groups. Mice in groups A and B were fed vitamin E (VE) deficient food with mean serum VE-levels of 0.18±0.04mg/dl. Groups C and D were fed normal food with serum VE-levels of 0.29±0.06 mg/dl. Mice in groups A and C were also given 0.2 to 0.4 ml of 38 % ethanol fluid per-orally, 4 to 5 times per week by stomach tube. Serum amylase levels were remarkably elevated in group A (13610±4000 IU/1) after alcohol administration. Histopathology of pancreata showed vacuolar degeneration of acinar cells and protein plugs in ducts, and liver, vacuolar changes of nuclei, and fatty changes. These were more frequently observed in groups A, B and C. Acute pancreatitis with hemorrhagic and necrotic changes and hepatic necrosis were most frequently observed in group A. It was very interesting that many cases (incidence 50 %) of acute pancreatitis occurred in mice with short-term alcohol administration (group As), but there was no acute pancreatitis after long-term alcohol administration (group Al) . Pancreatic fibrosis, suggesting chronic pancreatitis, was totally recognized in only three cases in groups As and Al with no great difference in their incidence. From this examination, it is suggested that alcohol administration may initially induce, not chronic pancreatitis but acute pancreatitis, and recurrence of this may later progress to chronic pancreatitis.
