EFFECTS OF DIMETHYLNITROSAMINE ON ORGAN-CULTURED ADULT HUMAN-PANCREAS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 102  (3) , 403-411
Abstract
Portions of adult human pancreas from 20 donors were organ-cultured in a chemically defined medium in the absence or presence of DMNA [dimethylnitrosamine] for up to 12 wk. In the absence of DMNA, necrosis of some acini occurred during the 1st wk, while some clusters of well-preserved acini were maintained for up to 3 wk. Proliferation of the epithelial linings of main and smaller ducts and ductules was noted during the first 2 wk of culture. Ductal epitheliums thereafter showed some degeneration but remained viable during the 12 wk of culture. In contrast to controls, the DMNA-treated explants showed better preservation of acinar and ductal cells. DMNA induced ductal hyperplasia and atypia of the epithelial linings of main ducts, smaller ducts and ductules within 6 wk and carcinoma by the 10th week of culture. At the end of the 1st wk cells devoid of zymogen within the acinar complex proliferated and progressively replaced necrotic cells. During the 9th and 10th wk, foci of atypical cells developed among these cells. Cells derived from 10 wk old DMNA-treated explants produced multiple nodules of carcinoma when injected s.c. into nude mice.