The development of fibrosis in a novel model of chronic pancreatitis is mediated by complement factor C5

Aim: Chronic pancreatitis is accompanied with the loss of exocrine function and the development of fibrosis. We investigate the effect of complement factor 5 (C5) in a newly established murine model of chronic pancreatitis and compared it to repetitive caerulein injections. Methods: Chronic pancreatitis was induced in C5+/+ and C5–/– mice by ligation of the pancreatic duct in the body of the organ (leaving the pancreatic head unaffected) and a single supramaximal injection of caerulein. Animals were sacrificed 21 days after ligation. As a second model we used supramaximal caerulein stimulation twice a week over…