Pregabalin Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Pancreatic Inflammation in Aged Rats

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine pancreatic pathology and the prophylactic effects of pregabalin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced sepsis model in aged rats. Methods: Twenty-four female, one-year-old, Wistar Albino rats were assigned to three groups; Group I (control), Group II (study group: 5mg/kg LPS intraperitoneal, single dose) and Group III(treatment group: 5mg/kg LPS+30 mg/kg oral pregabalin one hour before LPS). Animals were sacrificed by exsanguination 6 hours after LPS administration. Blood and pancreatic tissue samples were collected for biochemical, pathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: LPS caused increases in serum amylase and lipase level but led to a reduction in glucose levels. Following histopathological analysis, numerous neutrophil leucocyte infiltrations were observed in vessels and pancreatic tissues. Increased caspase-3 expression was observed in both the endocrine and exocrine pancreas in the LPS group. Similarly, IL-6, caspase-3 (Cas-3), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and serum amyloid-A (SAA) expressions were increased by LPS. Pregabalin improved biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings. Conclusion: This study showed that LPS causes pathological findings in the pancreas, but pregabalin has ameliorative effects in aged rats with sepsis. Cas-3, IL-6, iNOS, G-CSF, and SAA all play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of LPS-induced pancreatic damage.