EVALUATION OF THE POSSIBLE USE OF CONTRAST ENHANCED ULTRASONOGRAPHY FOR VISUALIZING HORMONE INDUCED ACTIVITY IN THE PANCREATIC GLAND

Purpose: The pancreatic enzyme production can be activated or inactivated by stimulation of the gland with specific gastrointestinal hormones. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether it is possible by using contrast enhanced ultrasonography to visualize the hormone induced activity in the pancreatic gland after administration of the gastrointestinal hormones Secretin (Secrelux) and Cholecystokinin (Kinevac – Sincalide for injection). Methods and Materials: We studied 9 anesthetized pigs weighing 30–35 kgs. After laparotomy the pancreatic gland was located, and a B-mode scan as well as a contrast enhanced sc…