Experimental pancreatitis induced by synthetic prooxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide

The purpose of this study was to verify whether injection of tert-butyl hydroperoxide ((BuOOH)-O-t, a well-known prooxidant agent) into the bile-pancreatic duct can induce acute pancreatitis. A rapid blockade of the secretion was observed in the majority of the animals after 3 hours of observation. After 6 hours, the secretion reached a very low level, significantly different compared with controls. In groups of rats injected with (BuOOH)-O-t, pancreatic weight grain was observed compared with the rats injected with physiologic saline. Histology of pancreata removed 3 hours after injection of (BuOOH)-O-t showed acinar cell vacuolization, interstitial edema, focal necrosis of pancreatic acini, fat-tissue necrosis, and leukocyte infiltration of the organ. These changes were considerably greater after the 6-hour observation period. Electronmicroscopic inspection revealed profound morphologic changes 3 hours after (BuOOH)-O-t injection. The control rats receiving physiologic saline alone had well-preserved pancreatic tissue structure. In conclusion, injection of the prooxidant agent, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, into common bile-pancreatic duct induces acute necrotizing pancreatitis, which indicates the crucial role of free radical reactions in pathogenesis of this disease.