Effect of pancreatic duct ligation on exocrine pancreatic function and structure in the rabbit.

4 weeks after pancreatic duct ligation in the rabbit, fecal and luminal chymotrypsin were detected in concentrations similar to the control group. Pancreatic changes in the ligated group were marked dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, proliferation and distention of ductules and fibrosis. Despite pancreatic duct ligation and fibrosis, proteolytic enzymes continued to secrete into the duodenal lumen. These results suggest that pancreatic duct ligation in the rabbit is not associated with total pancreatic insufficiency.