Evaluation of the effects of melatonin administration intraperitoneally on rats with acute pancreatitis induced by ductal ligation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to address the protective effects of exogenous melatonin injections intraperitoneally on the histopathological changes in a model of obstructive acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

In this study, ductal ligation technique was used in 20 adult male Wistar Albino rats to develop a model of obstructive acute pancreatitis and beginning pancreatic atrophy. Melatonin 20 mg/kg solution was injected in one group of rats intraperitoneally for one week and results were compared with the control group regarding histopathological findings in the pancreatic tissue.

RESULTS

The apoptosis rate in control group rats was 30.5%, while it was 12.7% in the melatonin group. Pancreatic edema, hemorrhage and polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration decreased remarkably in the melatonin group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Injection of exogenous melatonin in rats with obstructive acute pancreatitis for seven days prevents acinar cell degeneration, apoptosis and polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration.