1-Cyano-2-hydroxy-3-butene (CHB) induces apoptosis in mouse pancreatic acinar cells and reduces the severity of pancreatitis

The severity of acute pancreatitis has been shown to be inversely related to the extent of apoptosis in several experimental models of acute pancreatitis. ('1[II. a uitrilo derived from cruciferous plants, has been reported to cause cell death resembling apoptosis in rat pancreatic acini. In this presentation, we have further characterized this effect of CItB in mouse pancreatic acinar cells and its potential effect on acute pancreatitis. CHB administration (70 tng/k i.) to mice resulted in a time-dependent increase in pancreatic apoplosis. Apoptosis was quantified by nuclear staining using tloechst dye 33258. Maximal effect was observed t244 hours after the injection of CtlB. These results were confirmed bv TUNEI. hi mice administered (?|{B, the severity of caeruhqt induced pancreatitis was significantly reduced as assessed by hyperatnylasemia, pancreatic edema, pancreatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) (a measure of neut rophil sequestration ), and necrosis (quantitated by morphometric analysis). l'hese observalions indicate thai apoptosis of acinar cells induced by (:lib results in reduced severity of acute pancreatitis induced by caerulein in mice. These rosults support the hypothesis that apoptosis acts as a protectiw mechanism a;ainsl pancreatitis attd suggest the potential benehls of the induction of ap()ptosis as a prophylactic/therapeutic strategy for acute pancreatitis.