The knowledge of normal pancreatic ductal tree anatomy in dogs is important for the preparation and isolation of islets of Langerhans. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the anatomical configuration of the pancreatic ductal tree, especially concerning its implications in the preparation of pancreatic tissue for Langerhans islets transplantation techniques. The main pancreatic duct ( Santorini ) was dissected, and the upper and the lower branches were catheterized. Total pancreatectomy was performed without duodenectomy. Through the catheters an acetone solution was administered to the ducts, a blue ink solution was administered to the upper branch, and a red ink solution was administered to the lower branch. The ductal tree was then carefully dissected. A global distension of the pancreatric parenquima was observed due to the complete envelopment of the gland by the tributary branches of the main pancreatic duct. The lower branch only distended the uncinated process region, and the upper branch only distended the body and tail regions of the pancreatic tissue. This study suggests that the use of these sites of infusion are adequate in the procedures for isolating islets of Langerhans in dogs.
Pancreatic ducts; Islets of Langerhans; Pancreas
