Effect of Portal Hypertension and Duct Ligature on Pancreatic Fluid Pressures in Cats

In two groups of cats recordings were performed, during laparotomy, of pancreatic tissue fluid pressure measured by a needle technique, interstitial fluid pressure measured by micropipette technique, pancreatic intraductal pressure, and portal vein pressure. In one group of cats the pressures were measured before and after acutely induced portal hypertension; in the other group of cats the pressures were measured after an overnight ligature of the pancreatic main duct. At rest the needle pressure was equal to duct pressure but significantly lower than interstitial fluid pressure and portal pressure. Acute portal hypertension caused no significant changes in micropipette, needle, or duct pressures. Pancreatic duct ligature increased duct pressure, interstitial fluid pressure, and needle pressure. We conclude that the fluid pressure in the pancreas is probably influenced by the production/drainage relation of the pancreatic juice rather than by haemodynamic conditions.