Acute Biliary Pancreatitis Model: A Method to Generate Acute Biliary Pancreatitis Mouse Model via Pancreatic Duct Infusion

The pancreatic duct transports digestive enzymes and connects with the common bile duct near the intestine. These ducts form a channel where bile salts activate digestive enzymes before exiting into the intestine.

When gallstones obstruct this channel, bile flows backward, activating digestive enzymes in the pancreas itself, leading to acute biliary pancreatitis – a severe inflammatory condition. To mimic this condition in a mouse model, prep an anesthetized mouse in the supine position.

Incise the upper abdomen, below the chest. Then, pull the upper portion of the small intestine with pancreas and fix its lateral ends to access the periampullary region – a complex anatomical structure that includes the pancreatic duct opening.

Secure the proximal and distal ends of the common bile duct to prevent any leakage to other organs. Next, connect a syringe filled with sodium taurocholate solution to an infusion pump. Sodium taurocholate is a bile salt that activates enzymes for fat digestion.

Now, insert the needle into the periampullary region and start perfusing at optimum speed and concentration for the desired duration. After perfusion, remove the needle and sutures. Place the intestine back into the peritoneum.

Suture the incision. Allow the mouse to recover. Eventually, sodium taurocholate enters the pancreas and activates digestive enzymes, causing pancreatic damage.