Aprotinin and Na₂CaEDTA in Experimental Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis in Pigs

Abstract

We have analyzed the effects of aprotinin and Na₂CaEDTA on phospholipase A₂ activity and on the outcome of experimental pancreatitis in pigs. Hemorrhagic pancreatitis was induced in 29 piglets by infusing Na-taurocholate and trypsin into the pancreatic duct with simultaneous intravenous injection of secretin. Twelve animals serving as controls had no specific treatment. Nine animals were treated with aprotinin and eight pigs with Na₂CaEDTA. Ten of the control animals died within 24 h of the induction of pancreatitis, and two of them lived for a week. In the aprotinin group three piglets died within 24 h and two died during the next day; four animals lived for a week. In the Na₂CaEDTA group five animals died within 24 h and one the next day; two animals lived for a week. In all the animals serum phospholipase A₂ activity increased significantly (p < 0.01), there being no differences between the groups. In those animals that lived for a week the phospholipase A₂ activities decreased on the 2nd day. This decrease was seen in both treated groups. Aprotinin prolonged the survival time of the animals. This prolongation was statistically significant (p < 0.05, chi-square test, logrank test). Na₂CaEDTA did not improve the prognosis of the animals. Neither of the drugs given influenced the serum phospholipase A, activities during the first hours of the disease.

Key Words:

• Aprotinin
• experimental pancreatitis
• Na₂CaEDTA
• phospholipase A₂