An in vitro method for studying endocrine and exocrine secretion in the perfused isolated rabbit pancreas.

This work describes a perfusion technique adapted to the isolated rabbit pancreas allowing investigation of both the endocrine and exocrine function. The pancreas-duodenum-stomach-spleen complex is removed and perfused with a modified Krebs Ringer Bicarbonate medium. The surgical steps leading to the removal of the complex are described. The endocrine response is studied by measuring insulin release when the pancreas is submitted to successive glucose stimulations and the exocrine function is evaluated by the alpha-chymotrypsin activity of the pancreatic juice harvested during the perfusion.