The effect of cyclosporine on exocrine function of the rat pancreas--an in vitro study

Transplantation. 1991 Mar;51(3):562-5. doi: 10.1097/00007890-199103000-00003.

Abstract

We have studied the effect of cyclosporine on the exocrine pancreas of rats submitted to treatment with different parenteral doses (15, 30, 50 mg/kg/day) for different time periods (7 and 30 days). Serum amylase levels, pancreas weight, and total pancreatic amylase and protein content showed a dose-dependent decrease. Basal amylase secretion from isolated lobules remained unchanged. Furthermore, the pancreatic lobules from animals under cyclosporine treatment exhibited a decreased response to bethanechol stimulation. Our data suggest that cyclosporine produces a toxic effect on exocrine pancreatic function.

MeSH terms

  • Amylases / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Bethanechol
  • Bethanechol Compounds / pharmacology
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Cyclosporins / pharmacology*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Kinetics
  • Male
  • Organ Size / drug effects
  • Pancreas / drug effects
  • Pancreas / physiology*
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Reference Values

Substances

  • Bethanechol Compounds
  • Cyclosporins
  • Proteins
  • Bethanechol
  • Amylases