The time course of liver DNA and RNA alterations in acute experimental pancreatitis in rats--a possible mechanism of prostacyclin (PGI2) protection.

The mechanism of the liver damage in acute pancreatitis remains unsolved. The aim of this study was to evaluate RNA and DNA changes in the liver in Na-taurocholate pancreatitis in rats, with consideration being given to the protective effect of prostacyclin (20 micrograms.kg.24 h intraperitoneally). Total RNA increased both in treated and untreated rats after 24 hrs and even more after 48 hrs. After 48 hrs this increase was 35% higher in treated than in untreated rats. The RNA/DNA ratio paralleled the increase of total RNA. In 24 hrs incorporation of 3H-uridine into RNA increased 145% in untreated, and in 48 hrs 50% in treated rats. After 7 days 60% of treated animals survived as compared with 20% in the untreated group. The evident changes in RNA content, RNA/DNA ratio and RNA synthesis suggest a role for nucleic acid disturbances in the liver injury in acute pancreatitis. The beneficial effect of prostacyclin might, in part, be dependent on its effect on nucleic acid metabolism.