The sequential changes in pancreatic exocrine function after abdominal surgery in the rat

The sequential changes in pancreatic secretion in the conscious rat after pancreatic and intestinal surgery were examined. Rats were prepared with two duodenal cannulae and one cannula each for the pancreas, bile, and jugular vein. Pancreatic responses to Trasylol infused intraduodenally, bile-pancreatic juice (BPJ) diversion, and exogenous secretin and cerulein administrations were determined every 24 h after the operation. The body weight significantly decreased during the first 24 h after the operation but remained constant thereafter. The basal protein output was significantly lower on the first and second postoperative days compared with values on the third through seventh days, although the fluid output was almost constant throughout the observation period. Intraduodenal infusion of Trasylol failed to stimulate pancreatic secretion on the first and second postoperative days. Pancreatic feedback responses to BPJ diversion were observed during the entire experimental period, but were attenuated during the first 3 days. Responses to exogenous secretin and cerulein were relatively unaffected by postoperative recovery time. Results suggest that the pancreas itself may recover sufficiently within 24 h after the operation to respond consistently to direct stimulation. However, considering the effects on basal secretion and the responses to intestinally mediated secretion, it appears best to wait at least 3 days after the operation before using these rats in experiments on pancreatic exocrine functions.