Cerulein-Induced Pancreatitis in Rats: Increased Lysosomal Enzyme Activity and Autophagocytosis

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Abstract
The involvement of lysosomes in the normal secretory process of the exocrine pancreas and in the onset of acute, hormone-induced pancreatitis was studied. The enzymatic activities of cathepsin B and β-galactosidase were determined in the pancreas of rats that had been stimulated by either maximal (0.25 μg·kg-1 h-1) or supramaximal (5 μg·kg-1 h-1) concentrations of cerulein. Maximal stimulation led to a moderate increase in cathepsin B activity and the ultrastructural appearance of multivesicular bodies. Supramaximal stimulation resulted in formation of large cytoplasmic vacuoles and progressive destruction of acinar cells which was paralleled by a marked increase of lysosomal enzyme activity.