The ultrastructure of the liver in acute experimental pancreatitis in dogs.

The ultrastructure of the liver in acute experimental pancreatitis (AEP) in 18 dogs in three groups was investigated after 6, 12 and 24 h of the pathological process. AEP was induced by injection of an incubated mixture of bile and trypsin into the pancreatic duct. Swelling of mitochondria, depletion of glycogen, formation of autophagosomes more pronounced in later stages of AEP were evident. Complete destruction of some hepatocytes after 24 h was observed. Dilatation of Disse's spaces, activation of Kupffer cells and degranulation of mastocytes especially after 24 h were stated. Ultrastructural changes in the liver were present in 100% of the material. The severity of liver pathology was parallel to the intensity of pancreatic necrosis. The crucial stage of the damage to the liver during AEP seems to be the impairment of mitochondria.