The effect of an intraperitoneal injection of melatonin on serum amylase levels in acute pancreatitis

Several experimental studies have been carried out to explain the physiopathological mechanisms and to introduce endocrinological, enzymatic, biochemical and histopathological changes in organisms during acute pancreatitis. To evaluate the effect of an intraperitoneal injection of melatonin on serum amylase levels. Experimental acute pancreatitis was experimentally caused through pancreatic duct ligation in 20 Winstar Albino rats. The rats were then divided into two groups: control and melatonin groups. The serum amylase level was measured on the 7th day after acute pancreatitis had developed. In the melatonin group, an intraperitoneal injection of melatonin (20 mg/kg/day) was performed starting from the 2(nd) day after pancreatic duct ligation. The levels of serum amylase were measured with an auto analyzer. It was found that the mean (+/-SD) level of serum amylase in the control group was 947+/-182 IU/mL while it was 358+/-177 IU/mL in the experimental group (P