Phospholipase Activity in Pancreatic Exudate in Experimental Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract

GJONE, E., OFSTAD, E., MARTON, P. F. & AMUNDSEN, E. Phospholipase Activity in Pancreatic Exudate in Experimental Acute Pancreatitis. Scund. J. Gusfroenr. 2, 181-185, 1967. Acute pancreatitis was induced in dogs by injecting into the pancreatic duct a mixture of taurocholate and trypsin. Exudate from pancreas was collected outside the body by a special technique in separate portions each covering one hour. All exudates were found to possess ability to break down lecithin by phospholipase and lysophospholipase action. Calcium, bile, and taurocholate stimulated and EDTA inhibited the degradation of lecithin. The phospholipase activity was studied in the hourly collected portions of pancreatic exudate. It was very high and had a maximum in the portion collected during the first hour, being lower and levelling out in the portions collected during the 4 to 7 hour periods. Amylase activity paralleled the phospholipase activity of the exudate. The demonstration of an early release in acute pancreatitis of lecithin-hydrolyzing enzyme systems in pancreatic exudate may have bearings on the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.Scand J Gastroenterol Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by University of Auckland on 11/18/14For personal use only.

Diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis

“…The enzyme converts lecithin and cephalin in cell mem branes and bile to their toxic lysocompounds [ 18,24]. The enzyme may also split the alveo lar phospholipids, leading to the respiratory distress syndrome occassionally seen in severe cases of acute pancreatitis [29], Both experi mental and clinical studies support the central role of phospholipase A2 in the pathophysiol ogy of pancreatitis [4,25], Phospholipase A2 activities in serum correlate with the severity of the disease and pulmonary changes [25,29]. However, the assay procedure is so far difficult and time consuming and it is not yet suitable for routine diagnosis [19].…”

Pancreatitis with arthropathy and subcutaneous fat necrosis

“…Persistent serum elevations of phospholipase A, trypsin, and, as previously reported, lipase are shown (8). The finding of phospholipase A elevation is of particular interest due to its potential for the initiation of tissue necrosis by cleavage of membrane glycerophospholipids (23). Secondly, both synovial fluid and a subcutaneous nodule were found to have strikingly high levels of hydrolyzed fatty acids, demonstrating lipolytic enzyme activity in involved tissues.…”

Invited commentary

“…Both of these by-products are capable of producing cell lysis. This mechanism has been postulated as a factor in the development of necrotizing pancreatitis, as well as circulating by-products which may be important in the systemic manifestations [22].…”