Changes of systemic prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 in sodium taurocholate-and cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats

Systemic prostacyclin and thromboxane A₂ production in rat experimental acute pancreatitis has been evaluated by measuring the urinary excretion of the 2,3-dinor 6-keto prostaglandin F_1a and 2,3-dinor thromboxane B₂, respectively. Acute pancreatitis was induced by intraductal administration of 4.5% sodium taurocholate (0.1 ml/100 mg body weight) and intravenous cerulein perfusion (5 µg/kg/hr) for 6 hr, respectively. Urinary excretion of 2,3-dinor 6-keto prostaglandin F_1a and 2,3-dinor thromboxane B₂ were much more important in sodium taurocholate- than in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. These data confirm an altered prostacyclin and thromboxane metabolism occurring in experimental acute pancreatitis. Phospholipase A₂ activity and the effect of gabexate mesilate on the arachidonate metabolism were also evaluated.