Effects of taurine on cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in the rat

Taurine, or 2-aminoethane sulfonic acid, is an intracellular amino acid and has been suggested to have a function in protecting biological systems from oxidative tissue damage, The aim of this study was to determine the effect of taurine against cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats. Acute pancreatitis was induced by administering three subcutaneous injections of cerulein (40 mug/kg body weight) at 1-hour intervals, while taurine was administered intravenously at graded doses (30, 100, or 300 mg/kg, respectively) following the fi rst cerulein injection. The severities of pancreatitis and lung injury were determined by measuring biochemical parameters, tissue myeloper-oxidase (MPO), and histological changes. To clarify the mechanism of taurine, serum IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha levels and tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated. In cerulein-induced acute edematous pancreatitis, treatment: with taurine significantly decreased hyperamylasemia, tissue MPO, pancreatic edema, and the extent of pancreatic and pulmonary injury. Taurine decreased MDA concentration in the pancreas and lung, but not the serum cytokine concentration. We would conclude that taurine has beneficial effects in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis and lung injuries by preventing the production of oxygen free radicals. Copyright (C) 2001 S.Karger AG, Basel.