The cholecystokinin receptor antagonist L-364,718 reduces taurocholate-induced pancreatitis in rats

Abstract

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor antagonist L-364,718 has a protective effect on taurocholate-induced pancreatitis, and thus, it is inferred that CCK may have a significant pathophysiological role in the early phase of pancreatitis. BACKGROUND: Conflicting results have been obtained from studies designed to determine the role of CCK in the initial stages of pancreatitis. METHODS: We evaluated the protective effect of the CCK receptor antagonist L-364,718 (devazepide) and of the trypsin inhibitor camostat, on taurocholate-induced pancreatitis in rats. L-364,718 (1 mg/kg) or camostat (200 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically 30 min before the induction of pancreatitis. RESULTS: Infusion of sodium taurocholate (50 mg/kg) into the pancreaticobiliary duct caused severe pancreatitis with marked hyperamylasemia and reduction of tissue enzyme content at 12 h postinfusion. Pretreatment with L-364,718, but not with camostat, caused significant improvement in signs of experimental pancreatitis based on tissue enzyme content and morphology. Compared with untreated pancreatitis, there was relatively well-preserved lobular architecture, less edema, less infiltration of inflammatory cells, and more zymogen granules after L-364,718 pretreatment. Moreover, the reduction of enzyme content owing to pancreatitis was ameliorated by L-364,718 pretreatment.