INVOLUTION OF THE PANCREAS AFTER LIGATION OF THE PANCREATIC DUCTS .1. A HISTOLOGICAL STUDY

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 62  (6) , 547-558
Abstract
A detailed histological study of pancreatic involution after ligation of the pancreatic duct [in rats] is reported. Cytological evidence of acinar cell damage is evident from the beginning and loss of zymogen granules occurs early. The acini diminish in sizes rapidly from the 36th h to the 3rd day. The cell deletion occurs in 2 phases with apparently different characteristics. The 1st phase is related to the initial cell damage. The latter phase is more general but of uncertain nature. Considerable proliferation of cells occurs in the ducts resulting, with the few remaining acinar cells, in duct-like structures which themselves undergo involution. The duct changes therefore are not passive but involve continued cell proliferation and cell death over a long period.