PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY OF EXPERIMENTAL PANCREATOLITHIASIS IN THE DOG

Abstract

Incomplete ligation of the main pancreatic duct resulted in formation of intraductal calculi in 16 out of 28 dogs after six months.
The calculi were analized to be composed principally of calcium carbonate, which were similar to the human pancreatic calculi.
Pancreatogram of dogs with pancreatic calculi showed marked dilatation of the pancreatic duct, but similar changes were also observed in dogs without pancreatic calculi six months after ligation.
Histological alterations were periductal and perilobular fibrosis, and mild damage of parenchyma.
Pancreatic secretory response to caerulein and secretin showed a marked decrease in flow, amylase and protein secretions, but concentrations of amylase and protein did not change significantly six months after ligation. Calcium and magnesium concentrations in the juce increased in the calcifying group.
Endocrine function of the pancreas did not change significantly.
From these results, it may be considered that the predisposing factors to calculus formation of pancreas are as follows; localized stasis of pancreatic flow, continnation of acinar secretion and qualitative changes of pancreative juice.