Prevention and Amelioration of Rodent Ventilation-Induced Lung Injury with Either Prophylactic or Therapeutic feG Administration.

PURPOSE: Mechanical ventilation is a well-established therapy for patients with acute respiratory failure. However, up to 35% of mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome may be attributed to ventilation-induced lung injury (VILI). We previously demonstrated the efficacy of the synthetic tripeptide feG for preventing and ameliorating acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury. However, as the mechanisms of induction of injury during mechanical ventilation may differ, we aimed to investigate the effect of feG in a rodent model of VILI, with or without secondary challenge, as a preventative treatment when administered before injury (prophylactic), or as a therapeutic treatment administered following initiation of injury (therapeutic). METHODS: Lung injury was assessed following prophylactic or therapeutic intratracheal feG administration in a rodent model of ventilation-induced lung injury, with or without secondary intratracheal lipopolysaccharide challenge. RESULTS: Prophylactic feG administration resulted in significant improvements in arterial blood oxygenation and respiratory mechanics, and decreased lung oedema, bronchoalveolar lavage protein concentration, histological tissue injury scores, blood vessel activation, bronchoalveolar lavage cell infiltration and lung myeloperoxidase activity in VILI, both with and without lipopolysaccharide. Therapeutic feG administration similarly ameliorated the severity of tissue damage and encouraged the resolution of injury. feG associated decreases in endothelial adhesion molecules may indicate a mechanism for these effects. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the potential for feG as a pharmacological agent in the prevention or treatment of lung injury associated with mechanical ventilation.

Prevention and amelioration of rodent endotoxin-induced lung injury with administration of a novel therapeutic tripeptide feG.

BACKGROUND: The synthetic tripeptide feG is a novel pharmacological agent that decreases neutrophil recruitment, infiltration, and activation in various animal models of inflammatory disease. In human and rat cell culture models, feG requires pre-stimulation in order to decrease in vitro neutrophil chemotaxis. We aimed to investigate the effect of feG on neutrophil chemotaxis in a lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury model without pre-stimulation. METHODS: The efficacy of feG as both a preventative treatment, when administered before lung injury (prophylactic), or as a therapeutic treatment, administered following lung injury (therapeutic), was investigated. RESULTS: Prophylactic or therapeutic feG administration significantly reduced leukocyte infiltration, ameliorated the severity of inflammatory damage, and restored lung function. feG was demonstrated to significantly decrease bronchoalveolar lavage cell infiltration, lung myeloperoxidase activity, lung oedema, histological tissue injury scores, and improve arterial blood oxygenation and respiratory mechanics. CONCLUSIONS: feG reduced leukocyte infiltration, ameliorated the severity of inflammatory damage, and restored lung function when administered prophylactically or therapeutically in a rodent model of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury, without the need for pre-stimulation, suggesting a direct rather than indirect mechanism of action in the lung.

Tripeptide feG prevents and ameliorates acute pancreatitis-associated acute lung injury in a rodent model.

BACKGROUND: The synthetic tripeptide feG (D-Phe-D-Glu-Gly) is a novel pharmacologic agent that decreases neutrophil recruitment, infiltration, and activation in various animal models of inflammatory disease. We aimed to investigate the effect of feG as both a preventive treatment when administered before acute lung injury and as a therapeutic treatment administered following initiation of acute lung injury. METHODS: Lung injury was assessed following prophylactic or therapeutic intratracheal feG administration in a "two-hit" rodent model of acute pancreatitis plus intratracheal lipopolysaccharide. RESULTS: Following both prophylactic and therapeutic feG administration, there were significant improvements in arterial blood oxygenation and respiratory mechanics and decreased lung edema, BAL protein concentration, histologic tissue injury scores, BAL cell infiltration, and lung myeloperoxidase activity. Most indices of lung damage were reduced to baseline control values. CONCLUSIONS: feG reduced leukocyte infiltration, ameliorated the severity of inflammatory damage, and restored lung function when administered either prophylactically or therapeutically in a two-hit rat model of acute pancreatitis plus intratracheal lipopolysaccharide.

Acute pancreatitis due to diabetes: the role of hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND: The co-existence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) is linked to poor outcomes. Four large epidemiological studies have suggested an aetiological role for DM in AP. The exact nature of this role is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the available clinical and experimental literature to determine if DM may play a causative role in AP. METHODS: A systematic search of the scientific literature was carried out using EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for the years 1965-2011 to obtain access to all publications, especially randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses exploring the mechanisms of pathogenesis of AP in patients with DM. RESULTS: No clinical studies could be identified directly providing pathogenetic mechanisms of DM in the causation of AP. The available data on DM and its associated metabolic changes and therapy indicate that hyperglycaemia coupled with the factors influencing insulin resistance (tumour necrosis-α, NFκB, amylin) cause an increase in reactive oxygen species generation in acinar cells. CONCLUSIONS: Complex pathogenetic connections exist between AP and factors involved in the development and therapy of DM. Insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia, hallmarks of DM, are important factors linked to the susceptibility of diabetics to AP. Given the high morbidity associated with an attack of AP in a diabetic patient, targeting these two aspects by therapy may help not only to reduce the risk of development of AP, but may also help reduce the severity of an established attack in a diabetic patient.

Evaluation of lung injury and respiratory mechanics in a rat model of acute pancreatitis complicated with endotoxin.

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common complication of acute pancreatitis (AP) and contributes to the majority of AP-associated deaths, particularly in the setting of secondary infection. This 'two-hit' model mimics clinical cases where the presentation of AP is associated with mild lung injury that, following a secondary direct lung infection, can result in respiratory dysfunction and death. We therefore aimed to characterize lung injury in a clinically-relevant 'two-hit' rat model of caerulein-induced AP combined with intratracheal endotoxin. METHODS: Rats received 7 hourly intraperitoneal injections of caerulein (50 µg/kg). Twenty four hours following the first caerulein injection, rats were anaesthetised and LPS (15 mg/kg) was instilled intratracheally. Following LPS instillation, rats were ventilated for a total of 2 h. RESULTS: In the present study, AP results in mild pulmonary injury indicated by increased lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and edema, but with no alteration of respiratory function, while intratracheal instillation of LPS results in more substantial pulmonary injury. The induction of AP challenged with secondary intratracheal LPS results in an exacerbation of lung damage indicated by further increased lung edema, plasma and bronchoalveolar (BAL) CINC-1 concentration, lung damage histology score, and lung tissue resistance and elastance, compared with LPS alone. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the addition of instilled LPS acted as a "second-hit" and exacerbated caerulein-induced AP, compared with the induction of AP alone or the instillation of LPS alone. Given its clinical relevance, this model could prove useful for examination of therapeutic interventions for ALI following secondary infection.

Lung injury in acute pancreatitis: mechanisms underlying augmented secondary injury.

Acute lung injury (ALI) and its more severe form, the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are common complications of acute pancreatitis (AP). ALI/ARDS contribute to the majority of AP-associated deaths, particularly in the setting of secondary infection. Following secondary pulmonary infection there can be an exacerbation of AP-associated lung injury, greater than the sum of the individual injuries alone. The precise mechanisms underlying this synergism, however, are not known. In this review we discuss the main factors contributing to the development of augmented lung injury following secondary infection during AP and review the established models of AP in regard to the development of associated ALI.

Pancreatic nociception--revisiting the physiology and pathophysiology.

BACKGROUND: Pain management of many pancreatic diseases remains a major clinical concern. This problem reflects our poor understanding of pain signaling from the pancreas. OBJECTIVES: This review provides an overview of our current knowledge, with emphasis on current pain management strategies and recent experimental findings. METHODS: A systematic search of the scientific literature was carried out using EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for the years 1965-2011 to obtain access to all publications, especially randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses exploring pain and its management in disease states such as acute pancreatitis (AP), chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic cancer (PC). RESULTS: Over the last decade, numerous molecular mediators such as nerve growth factor and the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel family have been implicated in afferent nerve signaling. More recent animal studies have indicated the location of the receptive fields for the afferent nerves in the pancreas and shown that these are activated by agents including cholecystokinin octapeptide, 5-hydroxytryptamine and bradykinin. Studies with PC specimens have shown that neuro-immune interactions occur and numerous agents including TRP cation channel V1, artemin and fractalkine have been implicated. Experimental studies in the clinical setting have demonstrated impairment of inhibitory pain modulation from supraspinal structures and implicated neuropathic pain mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Our knowledge in this area remains incomplete. Characterization of the mediators and receptors/ion channels on the sensory nerve terminals are required in order to facilitate the development of new pharmaceutical treatments for AP and CP.

Caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis results in mild lung inflammation and altered respiratory mechanics.

Acute lung injury is a common complication of acute pancreatitis (AP) and contributes to the majority of AP-associated deaths. Although some aspects of AP-induced lung inflammation have been demonstrated, investigation of resultant changes in lung function is limited. The aim of this study was to characterize lung injury in caerulein-induced AP. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 7-8/group) received 7 injections of caerulein (50 µg/kg) at 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours before measurement of lung impedance mechanics. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), plasma, pancreatic, and lung tissue were collected to determine pancreatic and lung measures of acute inflammation. AP developed between 12 and 24 hours, as indicated by increased plasma amylase activity and pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, edema, and abnormal acinar cells, before beginning to resolve by 48 hours. In the lung, MPO activity peaked at 12 and 96 hours, with BAL cytokine concentrations peaking at 12 hours, followed by lung edema at 24 hours, and BAL cell count at 48 hours. Importantly, no significant changes in BAL protein concentration or arterial blood gas-pH levels were evident over the same period, and only modest changes were observed in respiratory mechanics. Caerulein-induced AP results in minor lung injury, which is not sufficient to allow protein permeability and substantially alter respiratory mechanics.

L-Arginine-induced acute pancreatitis results in mild lung inflammation without altered respiratory mechanics.

Acute lung injury is a common complication of acute pancreatitis (AP) and contributes to the majority of AP-associated deaths. Although some aspects of AP-induced lung inflammation have been demonstrated, investigation of resultant changes in lung function is limited. The aim of this study was to characterize acute lung injury in L-arginine-induced AP. Seven groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 4-10/group) received 2 intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of L-arginine (250 mg/100 g) at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, or 72 hours before measurement of lung impedance mechanics. Control rats (n = 10) received i.p. saline. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), plasma, and pancreatic and lung tissue were collected to determine pancreatic and lung measures of acute inflammation. AP developed between 6 and 36 hours, as indicated by increased pancreatic abnormal acinar cells, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, edema, and plasma amylase activity, before beginning to resolve by 72 hours. In the lung, MPO activity increased (2.4-fold) from 12 hours, followed by a modest increase in lung edema at 48 hours, with increased BAL cell count (2.5-fold) up to 72 hours (P < .05). In contrast, no significant changes in lung mechanics were evident over the same period. Despite measurable lung inflammation, no significant deterioration in respiratory function resulted from L-arginine-induced AP.

Octreotide negates the benefit of galantide when used in the treatment of caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice.

BACKGROUND: We have previously shown that galantide, a non-specific galanin receptor antagonist, ameliorates acute pancreatitis (AP) induced in mice. Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, has been used in the treatment of AP with inconsistent outcomes. This study set out to compare the efficacy of a combined treatment of galantide and octreotide with the efficacy of each agent individually in experimental AP. METHODS: Acute pancreatitis was induced in mice with 7-hourly caerulein injections. Galantide and/or octreotide were co-administered with each caerulein injection commencing with the first injection. Control animals received galantide, octreotide or saline alone. Pancreata were harvested for histological examination and estimation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Plasma amylase and lipase activities were measured. RESULTS: Galantide significantly reduced AP-induced hyperenzymaemia by 39-45%. Octreotide alone, or in combination with galantide, did not significantly alter AP-induced hyperenzymaemia. Plasma enzyme activity in the control groups was comparable with pre-treatment activity. Galantide and octreotide administered individually reduced MPO activity by 79% and 50%, respectively; however their combination was without effect. Galantide, octreotide and their combination significantly reduced the percentage of abnormal acinar cells by 28-45%. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with galantide alone ameliorated most of the indices of AP studied, whereas treatment with octreotide reduced pancreatic MPO activity and acinar cell damage. Combining the two peptides appears to negate their individual benefits, which suggests an interaction in their mechanism of action.

Can by-products in country-made alcohols induce acute pancreatitis?

OBJECTIVES: We previously reported a high incidence of alcohol-related acute pancreatitis (AP) in Goa, India, where country-made alcoholic products are consumed in addition to the commercially available alcoholic products. We aimed to analyze the composition of these country-made alcoholic products consumed by a population with a high incidence of alcohol-related AP. METHODS: Three locally distilled alcoholic products (ethanol content, >20%) regularly consumed by patients developing AP, as determined by responses in a patient questionnaire, were selected. Three commercially available products with comparable ethanol content (rum, whiskey, and brandy) were used for comparison. Representative samples were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Compound assignments used mass spectral searches of the NIST library (2008). RESULTS: Commercially available rum, whiskey, and brandy used for comparison contained the 2 major constituents, ethanol and water. In addition, the country-made alcoholic products contained a higher level of by-products including long-chain alcohols (eg, butanol, propanol), aldehydes (eg, acetaldehyde), acids (eg, acetic acid), and even traces of methanol. CONCLUSIONS: Country-made alcoholic products contain many compounds in addition to ethanol. Given the high incidence of alcohol-related AP in the population where these products are consumed, further evaluation of their constituents in relation to the induction of pancreatic damage is warranted.

The islet-acinar axis of the pancreas: more than just insulin.

Although the role of the islets in the regulation of acinar cell function seemed a mystery to investigators who observed their dispersion among pancreatic acini, over time an appreciation for this intricate and unique structural arrangement has developed. The last three decades have witnessed a steadily growing understanding of the interrelationship of the endocrine and the exocrine pancreas. The islet innervation and vascular anatomy have been more fully characterized and provide an appropriate background for our current understanding. The interrelationship between the endocrine and exocrine pancreas is mediated by islet-derived hormones such as insulin and somatostatin, other humoral factors including pancreastatin and ghrelin, and also neurotransmitters (nitric oxide, peptide YY, substance P, and galanin) released by the nerves innervating the pancreas. Although considerable progress has been achieved, further work is required to fully delineate the complex interplay of the numerous mechanisms involved. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update of the current literature available, bringing together data gleaned from studies addressing the actions of individual hormones, humoral factors, and neurotransmitters on the regulation of amylase secretion from the acinar cell. This comprehensive view of the islet-acinar axis of the pancreas while acknowledging the dominant role played by insulin and somatostatin on exocrine secretion sheds light on the influence of the various neuropeptides on amylase secretion.

The efficacy of combining feG and galantide in mild caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice.

We have previously shown that galantide ameliorates mild acute pancreatitis (AP), and the salivary tripeptide analogue, feG, ameliorates severe AP in mice. In this study, we compared the efficacy of combining galantide and feG with that of the individual agents in treating mild AP induced in mice with 7-hourly caerulein injections. Galantide was co-administered with each caerulein injection commencing with the first injection. feG was co-administered with the first injection of caerulein as a single intraperitoneal injection. Combination of the agents was also administered. Control animals received galantide, feG, or saline alone. Pancreata were harvested for histological examination and estimation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Plasma enzyme activities were measured. Galantide significantly reduced AP-induced hyperenzymemia by 41-49%. The combination of galantide and feG significantly reduced AP-induced hyperenzymemia by 39-40%, whereas feG alone was without effect. Plasma enzyme activity in the control groups was comparable with pre-treatment activity. Galantide, feG, and their combination significantly reduced MPO activity by 83, 44 and 74% respectively, and % abnormal acinar cells by 32, 29 and 36% respectively. This study demonstrates for the first time the beneficial effect of feG in mild caerulein-induced AP. Moreover the data indicate that the hyperenzymemia in mild caerulein-induced AP at 12h possibly reflect a larger secretory component as compared to enzyme release due to neutrophil-mediated acinar cell damage. The effects of the treatment with both peptides indicate a possible role for galantide in modulating neutrophil chemotaxis/activation and supports the hypothesis that galantide may influence neurogenic inflammation in AP.

Alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis: the 'critical mass' concept.

The association of alcohol consumption and acute pancreatitis (AP) has been well documented. Extensive research in the field of alcohol-induced AP has allowed scientists to understand the different aspects by which ethanol may alter pancreatic cellular function. However, despite the recognition and understanding of these proposed mechanisms, the basic question that remains unanswered is that although alcohol is consumed the world over, why is it that only some people develop AP? Epidemiologic data indicates a higher frequency of alcohol-induced AP in geographical locations where surrogate/home-brewed alcoholic beverages are freely available. These surrogate/home-brewed alcoholic beverages contain in addition to ethanol, higher alcohols (e.g. propanol and butanol) and other by-products/contaminants (e.g. acids, aldehydes and esters), the potential of which to induce pancreatic damage has been incompletely studied. Mutations in genes that metabolise alcohol as well as those that protect the acinar cells and the extra-acinar milieu from prematurely activated digestive enzymes (e.g. genetic mutations in SPINK1 or PRSS1 genes) have also been noted in these geographical locations. Based on the available epidemiologic, clinical and basic research data available at the present time, we propose a unifying hypothesis presenting for the first time the 'critical mass' concept. We hypothesise that it is the achievement of a 'critical mass' of damaged acinar cells that is required to trigger off the inflammatory cascade leading to a clinically recognised attack of AP. The consequence of a critical mass of damaged acinar cells is the generation of sufficient mediators to result in clinical AP. While the consumption of alcohol does damage acinar cells, the number of damaged acinar cells does not necessarily reach the 'critical mass' with every binge. Co-factors such a high fat or protein meals are required to sensitize the acinar cells by raising the metabolic state to a high level which compromises the viability of the cells. In addition, the existence of genetic mutations and / or the consumption of surrogate alcoholic beverages, by facilitating acinar cell damage, directly or indirectly, potentially hasten the achievement of the 'critical mass', leading to an attack of AP.

Galanin mediates the pathogenesis of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in the mouse.

OBJECTIVES: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is characterized by pancreatic microcirculatory and secretory disturbances. As galanin can modulate pancreatic vascular perfusion, we sought to determine if galanin plays a role in AP. METHODS: Acute pancreatitis was induced in wild-type and galanin gene knockout mice by intraperitoneal injections of cerulein. The severity of AP was evaluated (plasma amylase and lipase, myeloperoxidase activity, and acinar cell necrosis) with and without treatment with galanin or the antagonist galantide. Galanin receptor messenger RNA expression in mouse pancreas was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Galantide ameliorated AP, reducing all indices by 25% to 40%, whereas galanin was without effect. In galanin knockout mice, all indices of AP were reduced 25% to 50% compared with wild-type littermates. Galanin administration to the knockout mice exacerbated AP such that it was comparable with the AP induced in the wild-type mice. Conversely, administration of galantide to the galanin knockout mice did not affect the AP, whereas AP was ameliorated in the wild-type mice. The 3 galanin receptor subtypes are expressed in mouse pancreas, with receptor subtype 3 expression predominating. CONCLUSIONS: These data implicate a role for galanin in AP and suggest a potential clinical application for galanin antagonists in treatment.

The combination of neurokinin-1 and galanin receptor antagonists ameliorates caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice.

Both galanin and substance P have been separately implicated in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. We compared the efficacy of the combination of the galanin antagonist galantide and the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist L703,606 with that of either alone in the treatment of acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis was induced in mice with 7-hourly caerulein injections. Galantide was co-administered with each caerulein injection commencing with the first injection (prophylactic) or 2h after the first injection (therapeutic). L703,606 was administered either 30 min before (prophylactic), or 2h after the first caerulein injection (therapeutic). Combination of the two agents was also administered. Control groups received galantide, L703,606, or saline, without caerulein. Pancreata were harvested for histological examination and estimation of myeloperoxidase activity. Plasma amylase activity was measured. Prophylactic and therapeutic administration of galantide reduced the hyperamylasemia by 37% and 30% respectively whereas only prophylactic L703,606 reduced hyperamylasemia (by 34%). Prophylactic administration of the combined antagonists reduced the hyperamylasemia by 44%. In contrast, therapeutic administration of the combination significantly increased plasma amylase levels by 27%. The plasma amylase activity in the control groups was similar to basal levels. Prophylactic and therapeutic administration of either antagonist or the combination significantly reduced myeloperoxidase activity. Galantide and L703,606 individually, and in combination, significantly reduced the acute pancreatitis-induced necrosis score. The administration of the combined antagonists does not offer any further benefit as compared to galantide alone. An interaction between neurokinin-1 and galanin receptors may occur to modulate amylase secretion.

Galanin potentiates supramaximal caerulein-stimulated pancreatic amylase secretion via its action on somatostatin secretion.

Galanin inhibits pancreatic amylase secretion from mouse lobules induced by physiological concentrations of caerulein via an insulin-dependent mechanism. We aimed to determine the effect and elucidate the mechanism of action of exogenous galanin on pancreatic amylase secretion induced by supramaximal concentrations of caerulein. Amylase secretion from isolated murine pancreatic lobules was measured. Lobules were coincubated with galanin (10(-12)-10(-7) M) and caerulein (10(-7) M). Lobules were preincubated with atropine (10(-5) M), tetrodotoxin (10(-5) M), diazoxide (10(-7) M), or the galanin antagonist galantide (10(-12)-10(-7) M) for 30 min followed by incubation with caerulein alone, or combined with galanin (10(-12) M). Lobules were also coincubated with combinations of galanin (10(-12) M), caerulein, octreotide (10(-12)-10(-7) M) or cyclo-(7-aminoheptanoyl-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr[BZL]), a somatostatin receptor antagonist (10(-9) M). Amylase secretion was expressed as percent of total lobular amylase. Caerulein stimulated amylase secretion to 124% of control. Diazoxide pretreatment abolished the caerulein-stimulated amylase secretion, whereas atropine or tetrodotoxin caused a partial inhibition. Galanin (10(-12)-10(-7) M) potentiated caerulein-stimulated amylase secretion to 160% of control. Preincubation with a combination of atropine and diazoxide abolished the potentiating effect of galanin, indicating muscarinic receptor and insulin mediation. Preincubation with galantide abolished the galanin effect, implying galanin receptor involvement. Coincubation with caerulein, galanin, and octreotide significantly reduced the potentiating effect galanin. However, coincubation with the somatostatin receptor antagonist, alone or in combination with galanin, significantly increased caerulein-stimulated amylase secretion to a level comparable to the galanin potentiation. Taken together, these data suggest that, at supramaximal caerulein concentrations, galanin acts via its receptors to further increase caerulein-stimulated amylase secretion by inhibiting the caerulein-induced release of somatostatin.

Galanin inhibits caerulein-stimulated pancreatic amylase secretion via cholinergic nerves and insulin.

Pancreatic exocrine secretion is affected by galanin, but the mechanisms involved are unclear. We aimed to determine the effect and elucidate the mechanism of action of exogenous galanin on basal and stimulated pancreatic amylase secretion in vitro. The effect of galanin on basal-, carbachol-, and caerulein-stimulated amylase secretion from isolated murine pancreatic lobules was measured. Carbachol and caerulein concentration-response relationships were established. Lobules were coincubated with galanin (10(-12) M to 10(-7) M), carbachol (10(-6) M), or caerulein (10(-10) M). Lobules were preincubated with atropine (10(-5) M), tetrodotoxin (10(-5) M), hexamethonium (10(-5) M), or diazoxide (10(-7) M and 10(-4) M) for 30 min followed by incubation with caerulein (10(-10) M) alone or combined with galanin (10(-12) M). Amylase secretion was expressed as percent of total lobular amylase. Immunohistochemical studies used the antigen retrieval technique and antisera for galanin receptor (GALR) 1, 2, and 3. Carbachol and caerulein stimulated amylase secretion in a concentration-dependent manner with maximal responses of two- and 1.7-fold over control evoked at 10(-6) M and 10(-10) M, respectively. Galanin (10(-12) M) completely inhibited caerulein-stimulated amylase secretion but had no effect on carbachol-stimulated or basal secretion. Atropine and tetrodotoxin pretreatment abolished the caerulein-stimulated amylase secretion, whereas hexamethonium had no significant effect. Diazoxide significantly reduced caerulein-stimulated amylase secretion by approximately 80%. Galanin did not affect caerulein-stimulated amylase secretion in the presence of hexamethonium or diazoxide. Glucose-stimulated amylase secretion was also inhibited by galanin. Immunohistochemistry revealed islet cells labeled for GALR2. These data suggest that galanin may modulate caerulein-stimulated amylase secretion by acting on cholinergic nerves and/or islet cells possibly via GALR2 to regulate insulin release.

Sleeve sphincter of Oddi (SO) manometry: a new method for characterizing the motility of the sphincter of Oddi.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Perfused multilumen sphincter of Oddi (SO) manometry is accepted as the gold standard for diagnosis of SO dysfunction. However, this technique is associated with a relatively high incidence of post-procedure acute pancreatitis. In addition, triple-lumen manometry recordings may be difficult to interpret, as movement may produce artifacts. We have refined the development of a sleeve sensor for human SO manometry. This assembly aims to overcome the above limitations. In this study the accuracy of sleeve SO manometry (SOM) has been evaluated and compared with standard triple-lumen perfused SOM. METHODS: Patients undergoing SO manometric studies consented to having both standard triple-lumen and sleeve SOM. A total of 32 paired studies were performed in 29 patients. Diagnosis was made only from standard triple-lumen SOM and the patient treated accordingly. For each study, SO basal pressure, contraction, amplitude, and frequency were recorded. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the recordings of SO basal pressure, contraction, amplitude, and frequency between the two techniques. A strong correlation was demonstrated between SO basal pressure determined with the two catheters. The accuracy of sleeve SOM is comparable to standard triple-lumen SOM, with less movement artifact. One patient developed mild post-manometric pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: The sleeve catheter records SO pressures with comparable values to standard triple-lumen SOM. The sleeve assembly potentially can replace the use of the perfused triple-lumen catheter for the objective diagnosis of SO dysfunction.