Effect of prostaglandin blockers on ascites fluid in pancreatitis
Farias, L.R.; Frey, C.F.; Holcroft, J.W.; Gunther, R.
Surgery 98(3): 571-578
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-6060 PMID: 3898455 Document Number: 254188
Prostacyclin (PGI2), a potent vasodilator with complex effects on the menesteric circulation, has been found to be elevated in the hemorrhagic ascitic fluid of pigs with hemorrhagic pancreatitis. This investigation was designed to determine if blockage of PGI2 significantly reduces the volume and/or toxicity of hemorrhagic ascitic fluid associated with hemorrhagic pancreatitis in pigs. Fifteen pigs were studied: five received corticosteroids, five received ibuprofen, and five were untreated. The relative toxicity of the hemorrhagic ascitic fluid was assessed by intraperitoneal injections of the fluid from pigs into mice. Results (1) hemorrhagic pancreatitis was associated with high levels of PGI2 in blood 15 times in hemorrhagic ascitic fluid 25 times that of baseline; (2) steroids and ibuprofen blocked PGI2 production (p < 0.05); (3) neither steroids nor ibuprofen, even when administered as pretreatment, decreased ascites formation; and (4) the mortality rate in mice was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in the ibuprofen-treated group as compared with the untreated and steroid-treated groups. Conclusion: PGI2 does not play a significant role in the volume of ascites formation. There was an absence of toxicity in the hemorrhagic ascitic fluid of the ibuprofen-treated group.