The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on apoptosis and proliferation in severe acute pancreatitis

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This paper investigates the significance of apoptosis in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and the possible modulating effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). METHODS: Wistar rats (250-350 g) were induced with SAP by biliopancreatic infusion of 4% sodium taurocholate. Rats were randomized for HBO treatment. Pancreatic tissue was stained for apoptosis with immunohistochemistry (anti-CASPASE-3 antibody and TUNEL), and histopathology haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Acini were stained for proliferation with an anti-KI67 antibody. ImageProPlus was used to quantify apoptosis and proliferation in acinar cells. Statistical analysis was performed with two-independent-sample t-test or non-parametr..