Late effect of pancreatic duct ligation on beta cell function

The effect of pancreatic duct ligation on endocrine function of the pancreas has been studied in the dog for a period of more than seven months. Endocrine insufficiencies were observed in ten of the fifteen dogs (67 per cent) between forty-five and 222 days after ductal ligation as assessed by fasting blood sugar levels, circulating plasma insulin levels, and intravenous glucose tolerance tests. It has been suggested that severe fibrotic degeneration of the exocrine tissue could lead to secondary endocrine dysfunction. The use of a pancreas with free drainage of the pancreatic secretion as an endocrine transplant for the treatment of diabetes mellitus is therefore recommended.