Production of Fatty Livers by Ligation of the Pancreatic Ducts in Rats

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Abstract
Successful ligation of the pancreatic ducts in rats has been accomplished by ligating the common bile duct above and below the entry of the pancreatic ducts into it. The stump of the common duct must be implanted into the jejunum for drainage of bile. Pancreatic acinar atrophy developed post-operatively in 58% of 300 rats. Islet tissue was unaffected. Fatty livers developed within a month in those animals with acinar degeneration on a diet free of choline but adequate in protein. Intestinal proteolytic activity, N absorption, and fat absorption was significantly decreased. Wt. gain following recovery from operation was reduced much below normal in rats successfully ligated. A "pancreatic factor" containing proteolytic enzymes, when fed to rats with acinar atrophy is capable of restoring normal growth and N absorption, and of preventing development of fatty livers. These findings support the concept that the external pancreatic secretion releases lipotropic substances, precursors of choline. from the protein in the diet.

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