Pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis: evaluation of the effect and mode of action of steroids in experimental pancreatitis in dogs.

Three experiments were performed to evaluate the effects and hemodynamic changes brought about by steroids in experimental pancreatitis in dogs. The results show (1) a significant improval in survival in steroid-treated groups, (2) no difference in cardiac output or mean blood pressure between groups, (3) a decrease in relative pancreatic arterial blood flow in the untreated animals, and (4) an increase in arterial flow to the pancreas after steroid therapy. The experiments suggest that the reversal of reduced pancreatic flow may be important in improving the prognosis.