The Influence of Hypothermia on Pancreatic Secretion and Blood Flow

PREVIOUS studies in this laboratory¹ have established a parallel relationship between pancreatic arterial inflow and pancreatic secretion in response to secretin stimulation. Other studies² have shown the protective effect of hypothermia in canine experimental pancreatitis. This investigation was undertaken to examine the relationship between pancreatic secretion and pancreatic blood flow during whole-body hypothermia.

Materials and Methods  Under α-chloralose anesthesia, ten mongrel dogs of either sex, weighing 19 to 29 kg (42 to 64 lb), had an electromagnetic flow probe placed on the ascending aorta through a left thoracotomy. After chest closure, a second flow probe was placed on the pancreaticoduodenal artery through a midline abdominal incision. The major pancreatic duct (Santorini) was cannulated with a polyvinyl catheter, and the minor duct (Wirsung), ligated. A femoral artery was cannulated for continuous pressure recording. Ascending aorta (cardiac output less coronary flow) and pancreaticoduodenal artery flows were recorded at 15-minute intervals