Heike Weber

Acute interstitial pancreatitis in rats induced by dibutyltin dichloride (DBTC): pathogenesis and natural course of lesions.

Dibutyltin dichloride (DBTC; 6 mg/kg body weight, i.v.) induced acute interstitial pancreatitis in rats. The course of the pancreatitis was examined within 28 days by light and electron microscopy as well as by pathobiochemistry (amylase, lipase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin in serum; tin concentration in biliopancreatic juice, tissue, and concretions). The pathogenesis of the DBTC-induced pancreatitis in rats was studied by different experimental designs (in intact animals, after bile duct ligation, after surgical bypass of the bile duct). DBTC caused toxic necrosis of the biliopancreatic duct epithelium, which is then shed into the duct and forms obstructing plugs in the distal common bile duct. Interstitial pancreatitis occurred during the first 4 days, accompanied by significantly increased activities of serum α-amylase and lipase. After 7 days extensive infiltration of the pancreatic interstitium with mononuclear cells was observed. Twenty-eight days after administration of DBTC one-third of the rats showed periductal and interstitial fibrosis as well as an active inflammatory process in the pancreas. The findings suggest a twofold pathogenesis of the DBTC-induced pancreatitis: first, the cytotoxic effects on the biliopancreatic duct epithelium lead to epithelial necrosis with obstruction of the duct, subsequent cholestasis, and interstitial pancreatitis; and second, the hematogenic DBTC effects cause direct injury of pancreatic cells (mitochondrial damage, autophagy, cell necrosis) followed by interstitial edema and inflammation. Both processes lead to this special type of DBTC-induced acute pancreatitis with a tendency to a chronic course, when the obstruction of the duct and cholestasis persist.

p38 Map Kinase Is Expressed in the Pancreas and Is Immediately Activated following Cerulein Hyperstimulation

Background: The pathophysiology of pancreatitis and the pancreatic stress response are not well understood. In the pancreas, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) are reportedly regulated by secretagogue stimulation and hyperstimulation. However, no data exist on the expression and regulation of pancreatic p38 Map kinase. Aims: Pancreatic expression of p38 Map kinase and MAPK, SAPK and p38 regulation during pancreatic stress were investigated. Methods: For hyperstimulation and secretory stress, cerulein was given intravenously, while hyperthermia preconditioning stress was induced by whole body hyperthermia (42°C). Results: In addition to MAPK and SAPK, p38 Map kinase was found to be expressed in the rat pancreas. Cerulein regulated all kinases time- and dose-dependently. MAPK and p38 Map kinase showed basal activity and were further activated at low cerulein doses. SAPK had no basal activity and its activation required maximal secretory to supramaximal amounts of cerulein. Cerulein hyperstimulation, inducing pancreatitis, activated p38 more rapidly than SAPK and more strongly than MAPK. In contrast to cerulein hyperstimulation stress, hyperthermia stress only activated p38 Map kinase. Conclusions: p38 Map kinase is expressed in the pancreas and is most rapidly activated following cerulein hyperstimulation. Both SAPK and p38 Map kinase are possibly important regulators during the onset of cerulein pancreatitis.

Neurotrophins in murine viscera: a dynamic pattern from birth to adulthood

There is growing evidence that target‐derived neurotrophins regulate the function of visceral neurons after birth. However, the postnatal profile of neurotrophin supply from internal organs is poorly described. In this study, we compared neurotrophin concentrations in lysates of murine peripheral target tissues (lung, heart, liver, colon, spleen, thymus, kidney and urinary bladder) at different time points after birth. In most organs, there was a decrease of neurotrophin concentrations in the first weeks after birth. In contrast, there were characteristic increases of specific neurotrophins during adolescence or adulthood. These increases were found for nerve growth factor (NGF) in the heart, thymus, kidney and liver, for brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the lung, and for neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) in the colon. In conclusion, we show that neurotrophins display a very differential and dynamic profile in internal organs after birth.

Increased cytosolic Ca2+ amplifies oxygen radical-induced alterations of the ultrastructure and the energy metabolism of isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells

Background: Oxygen radicals have been implicated as important mediators in the early pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis, but the mechanism by which they produce pancreatic tissue injury remains unclear. We have, therefore, investigated the effects of oxygen radicals on isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells as to the ultrastructure, cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and energy metabolism. Methods: Acinar cells were exposed to an oxygen radical-generating system consisting of xanthine oxidase, hypoxanthine and chelated iron ions. Cell injury was assessed by LDH release and electron microscopy. Cytosolic Ca2+ levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were determined by flow cytometry; adenine nucleotide concentrations by HPLC. Mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity was measured by spectrophotometric assay. Results: Oxygen radicals damaged the plasma membrane as shown by a 6-fold LDH increase in the incubation medium within 180 min. At the ultrastructural level, mitochondria were the most susceptible to oxidative stress. In correlation to the pronounced mitochondrial damage, the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity declined by 70%, whereas the mitochondrial membrane potential was enhanced by 27% after 120 min. Together this may cause the 85% decrease in the ATP concentration and the corresponding increase in ADP/AMP observed in parallel. In addition, an immediate 26% increase in cytosolic Ca2+ was found, a change which could be inhibited by BAPTA, reducing cellular damage. Conclusion: Cytosolic Ca2+ synergizes with oxygen radicals causing alterations of the ultrastructure and energy metabolism of acinar cells which might contribute to the cellular changes found in early stages of acute pancreatitis.

Caerulein pancreatitis increases mRNA but reduces protein levels of rat pancreatic heat shock proteins

We have recently reported that preconditioning through hyperthermia induces expression of pancreatic heat shock proteins (HSPs) and protects against caerulein pancreatitis. Here, we investigate caerulein-mediated effects on pancreatic HSPs without prior hyperthermia. Caerulein time and dose dependently increased pancreatic mRNA levels of the constitutive isoform of HSP70 (HSC70). However, pancreatic HSC70 protein levels were decreased, as were HSP60 protein levels. Also, in contrast to hyperthermia preconditioning, caerulein did not induce measurable levels of mRNA or protein of the inducible isoform of HSP70. Thus the pancreas reacts to different kinds of stress (hyperthermia vs. hyperstimulation) with differential induction of HSP mRNAs. Clearly, hyperthermia leads to induction of HSP protein expression, whereas caerulein treatment does not. Therefore, our current study further supports the idea that hyperthermia-induced protection against caerulein pancreatitis may be mediated through increased protein levels of pancreatic HSPs. It is further tempting to hypothesize that failure to appropriately increase HSP protein levels in response to high doses of caerulein might be a factor in the development of pancreatitis.We have recently reported that preconditioning through hyperthermia induces expression of pancreatic heat shock proteins (HSPs) and protects against caerulein pancreatitis. Here, we investigate caerulein-mediated effects on pancreatic HSPs without prior hyperthermia. Caerulein time and dose dependently increased pancreatic mRNA levels of the constitutive isoform of HSP70 (HSC70). However, pancreatic HSC70 protein levels were decreased, as were HSP60 protein levels. Also, in contrast to hyperthermia preconditioning, caerulein did not induce measurable levels of mRNA or protein of the inducible isoform of HSP70. Thus the pancreas reacts to different kinds of stress (hyperthermia vs. hyperstimulation) with differential induction of HSP mRNAs. Clearly, hyperthermia leads to induction of HSP protein expression, whereas caerulein treatment does not. Therefore, our current study further supports the idea that hyperthermia-induced protection against caerulein pancreatitis may be mediated through increased protein levels of pancreatic HSPs. It is further tempting to hypothesize that failure to appropriately increase HSP protein levels in response to high doses of caerulein might be a factor in the development of pancreatitis.

Heat shock response is associated with protection against acute interstitial pancreatitis in rats.

We recently reported that hyperthermia induces pancreatic expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), particularly HSP70 isoforms, and protects against cerulein pancreatitis. We have now studied whether a double hyperthermia amplifies these effects and whether hyperthermia also protects against dibutyltin dichloride (DBTC)-induced pancreatitis. A further aim was to examine whether hyperthermia induces changes in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Following pretreatment without or with a single or double hyperthermia, pancreatitis was induced by application of cerulein or DBTC. Pancreatic HSP and TGF-β1 expression were studied by immunoblotting. Pancreas injury was assessed by light microscopy and serum pancreatic enzyme activity. Hyperthermia as well as DBTC induced HSP72, whereas cerulein did not. A double hyperthermia led to a further increase in HSP72 compared to a single heat stress. In both models, hyperthermia significantly reduced pancreatic injury. Although a double hyperthermia slightly decreased the severity of cerulein pancreatitis compared to a single heat treatment, an improved pancreas protection against DBTC cytotoxicity was not achieved. We also found that hyperthermia induces the expression of TGF-β1. In conclusion, hyperthermia preconditioning exerts protective effects against two pathophysiologically different types of pancreatitis by a mechanism that involves the up-regulation of HSP70 isoforms as well as TGF-β1.

The nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside is protective in ischemia/reperfusion injury of the pancreas

BACKGROUND The role of nitric oxide in the ischemia/reperfusion injury of the pancreas is still unclear. In other organs, protective as well as aggravating effects have been described. We have, therefore, investigated the effect of the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside on pancreatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS In Landrace pigs, after transsection of the pancreas, complete vascular isolation of the pancreatic tail was performed. The tail was subjected to 3 hr of warm ischemia and thereafter reperfusion (6 hr). The animals were divided into a control group (n=7) and a treatment group (n=7) that received 15 mg of sodium nitroprusside after reperfusion intra-arterially into the splenic artery. RESULTS The morphological tissue damage and lipase activity in the venous effluent of the pancreas were significantly lower in the treatment group. Partial oxygen tension in the tissue after reperfusion was markedly reduced in the control group, indicating an impairment of microcirculation. In the treatment group, however, partial oxygen tension in the tissue was significantly higher (43 vs. 20 mmHg; P<0.014). Furthermore, total blood flow through the pancreatic tail in the treatment group was found to be significantly higher in the late reperfusion period (14 vs. 9.5 ml/min at 5 hr after reperfusion; P<0.05). CONCLUSION There is a marked impairment of pancreatic microcirculation after reperfusion. Sodium nitroprusside counteracts this impairment and has a protective effect on ischemia/reperfusion injury of the pancreas.

Calpain-mediated breakdown of cytoskeletal proteins contributes to cholecystokinin-induced damage of rat pancreatic acini

The cytosolic cysteine protease calpain is implicated in a multitude of cellular functions but also plays a role in cell damage. Our previous results suggest that an activation of calpain accompanied by a decrease in its endogenous inhibitor calpastatin may contribute to pancreatic damage during cerulein‐induced acute pancreatitis. The present study aimed at the time course of secretagogue‐induced calpain activation and cellular substrates of the protease. Isolated rat pancreatic acini were incubated with a supramaximal concentration of cholecystokinin (0.1 μM CCK) for 30 min in the presence or absence of the calpain inhibitor Z‐Val‐Phe methyl ester (100 μM ZVP). The activation of calpain and the expression of calpastatin and the actin cytoskeleton‐associated proteins αII‐spectrin, E‐cadherin and vinculin were studied by immunoblotting. The cell damage was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase release and ultrastructural analysis including fluorescence‐labelled actin filaments. Immediately after administration, CCK led to activation of both calpain isoforms, μ‐ and m‐calpain. The protease activation was accompanied by a decrease in the E‐cadherin level and formation of calpain‐specific breakdown products of αII‐spectrin. A calpain‐specific cleavage product of vinculin appeared concomitantly with changes in the actin filament organization. No effect of CCK on calpastatin was found. Inhibition of calpain by ZVP reduced CCK‐induced damage of the actin‐associated proteins and the cellular ultrastructure including the actin cytoskeleton. The results suggest that CCK‐induced acinar cell damage requires activation of calpain and that the actin cytoskeleton belongs to the cellular targets of the protease.

The Course of Pancreatic Fibrosis Induced by Dibutyltin Dichloride (DBTC)

In summary, in addition to an acute interstitial pancreatitis the organotin compound DBTC induced a pancreatic fibrosis in rats. The course of the pancreatic fibrosis was studied 2-36 weeks after single i.v. treatment of rats with 6 or 8 mg/kg DBTC. The pancreatic fibrosis induced by DBTC differs from other experimental models of acute pancreatitis. Extensive infiltration by mononuclear cells is present in fibrotic areas without pancreatic atrophy or lipomatosis. The presence of chronic inflammatory lesions characterized by the destruction of exocrine parenchyma and fibrosis and in the later stages the endocrine parenchyma, indicate a chronic pancreatitis. In completion of the experimental model of the DBTC-induced acute interstitial pancreatitis in rats, the described late fibrotic effects on rat pancreas may be used as an experimental model of chronic pancreatitis.

The influence of ethanol on long-term effects of dibutyltin dichloride (DBTC) in pancreas and liver of rats

The present study was done to determine the additional influence of daily ethanol intake (15% in drinking water ad libitum) on long-term toxic effects of a single administration of dibutyltin dichloride (DBTC, 8 mg/kg b.w. i.v.) in pancreas and liver of rats. Pathohistological changes in pancreas, bile duct and liver as well as pathobiochemical parameters of pancreatitis (amylase and lipase activity), liver lesions (alkaline phosphatase activity and bilirubin) and fibrosis (hydroxyproline and hyaluronic acid) were measured 1 day and 1 to 24 weeks after DBTC- and DBTC/ethanol administration. DBTC alone induced in rats an acute interstitial pancreatitis as well as acute bile duct and liver lesions in the early experimental phase. Later on, the acute inflammatory processes in pancreas and liver took a chronic course resulting in pancreatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. Ethanol increased the toxic effects of DBTC on pancreas and liver during the acute and chronic course. In the acute phase lasting 1 day to 2 weeks, ethanol enhanced the DBTC toxicity on acinar cell and bilio-pancreatic duct epithelium as well as the formation of obstructive ductal plugs by necrotic cell debris. The obstruction and cholestasis in the DBTC/ethanol-group were significantly stronger as in the DBTC-group. The significant increase of hydroxyproline in urine and hyaluronic acid in serum of the DBTC/ethanol treated rats after 12 to 24 weeks was connected with a more severe chronic inflammatory fibrosis in pancreas and liver in comparison to the DBTC-treated group.