The effect of benzo-pyrones on the canine pancreas submitted to long-term hypothermic perfusion.

In 14 dogs pancreatectomy was performed and pancreas was submitted to 24 hour hypothermic pulsatile perfusion using Gambro machine. During the perfusion exocrine secretion subsequent to secretin and CCK stimulation was collected and the perfusion fluid was analyzed. In 7 of these animals, Venalot, a combination of coumarin and rutin sulphate, was added to the perfusion fluid and its effect was tested. The addition of Venalot was followed by a decreased vascular peripheral resistance, decreased weight of the perfused graft, and decreased level of LDH and lactic acid in the perfusion fluid. The release of potassium from the pancreatic cells was prevented. The parameters of the pancreatic secretion was better than in the control group. Benzo-pyrones reduced oedema formation and improved cell metabolism during hypothermic perfusion of the pancreas.