Comparative Effects of Several Therapatic Agents on Hepatic Damage Induced by Acute Experimental Pancreatitis

Purpose The prognosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) depends upon the degree of pancreatic necrosis and the intensity of multisystem organ failure. The liver contributes to the systemic manifestations of AP by releasing some cytokines. This study was undertaken to examine comparative effects of melatonin, antioxidant mixture containing L(+)-ascorbic acid and N-acetyl cysteine, pentoxifylline and l-arginine on hepatic damage induced by caerulein-pancreatitis. Results The liver specimens of all groups showed histopathological alterations such as hepatocyte necrosis, intracellular vacuolization, vascular congestion, sinusoidal dilatation and inflammatory infiltration. TEM studies revealed vacuole formation, mitochondrial degeneration, lysosome accumulation and necrosis. The mean histopathological score of the caerulein group was significantly different from that of each treatment group. Conclusion l-Arginine and antioxidant administration be important for reducing hepatic damage induced by AP. Improvement of hepatic damage, in turn, might be beneficial for the prognosis of AP.