Effects of Intra-Abdominal Hypertension on the Endocrine Functions of the Pancreas in Rats

Abstract

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) has negative effects on the functions of intra- and extra-abdominal organs and systems. Intra- and extraperitoneal hemorrhage, diffuse intestinal and retroperitoneal edema, intestinal ileus or obstruction, necrotizing pancreatitis, intra-abdominal packing, intra-abdominal sepsis, and pneumoperitoneum can all cause IAH. No studies were found in the literature relating to the effects of IAH on the endocrine functions of the pancreas. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of IAH on the endocrine functions of the pancreas. Forty male rats were divided into four groups: control, sham control, and two study groups, each containing 10 rats. In one of the study groups, animals were subjected to IAH of up to 20 mm Hg and in the other study group to 25 mm Hg, for 3 hours. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and pancreatic tissue samples for histopathologic examination. The results showed that glucagon levels were increased in the study groups (p<0.001) and insulin levels were decreased (p<0.001). There were no differences between the control and sham control groups. Histopathologic examination showed inflammatory cell infiltration in exocrine pancreatic tissue and vascular congestion in the islets of Langerhans. IAH causes an increase in glucagon levels and a decrease in insulin levels. These changes may be due to both the direct effects of IAH and the indirect effects of other organs that are affected by IAH.