Influence of pancreatic duct occlusion on islet hormones in peripheral and portal plasma and in the pancreas of the mini-pig.

In a total of 18 'Göttingen' mini-pigs we studied basal glucose in the peripheral plasma, and the hormones insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin in the peripheral and portal plasma, as well as in extracts of pancreatic tissue, both in animals subjected to pancreatic duct occlusion with prolamine (Occ pigs) 9 months previously and in controls. Additionally, in the pancreas the relative frequency of A-, B-, D- and PP-cells was determined by immunocytochemistry. In peripheral blood of Occ pigs glucose, insulin, and somatostatin were unchanged, while glucagon was decreased. Also after occlusion the portal plasma revealed an increase in insulin but unchanged glucagon and somatostatin, while in the pancreatic tissue insulin and glucagon were statistically unchanged, but somatostatin was reduced. The relative frequency of A-, B-, D- and PP-cells in the pancreatic islets was comparable in both control and Occ pigs. It is concluded that also in the pig pancreatic duct occlusion leads to atrophy of the exocrine pancreas, but leaves undisturbed basal blood glucose, insulin, glucagon and islet cells.