The effect of somatostatin, gabexate mesilate and dextran 40 on the microcirculation in sodium taurocholate-induced pancreatitis.

In vivo microscopy was performed to assess the effect of dextran 40, gabexate mesilate and somatostatin on the microcirculation in sodium taurocholate-induced pancreatitis in rats. Intraductal infusion of 0.4 ml of a 4% solution of sodium taurocholate decreased capillary blood flow, induced capillary stasis and increased vascular permeability in the head of the pancreas. Dextran 40, gabexate mesilate and somatostatin improved capillary blood flow in the initial phase of acute pancreatitis significantly and prevented stasis in 5 of 9, 3 of 8 and 7 of 10 (p < 0.05) cases. Only dextran 40 reduced the increase of vascular permeability. Decrease of capillary blood flow, capillary stasis and vascular permeability changes are important factors contributing to the pathogenesis of sodium taurocholate-induced pancreatitis. Dextran 40, gabexate mesilate and somatostatin exert a beneficial effect on the microcirculatory changes in this model of acute pancreatitis.