The effect of an intraperitoneal injection of melatonin on serum amylase levels in acute pancreatitis

Context: Several experimental studies have been carried out to explain the physiopathological mechanisms and to introduce endocrinological, enzymatic, biochemical and histopathological changes in organisms during acute pancreatitis. Objective: To evaluate the effect of an intraperitoneal injection of melatonin on serum amylase levels. Design: Experimental acute pancreatitis was experimentally caused through pancreatic duct ligation in 20 Winstar Albino rats. The rats were then divided into two groups: control and melatonin groups. Intervention: The serum amylase level was measured on the 7th day after acute pancreatitis had developed. In the melatonin group, an intraperitoneal injection of melatonin (20 mg/kg/day) was performed starting from the 2nd day after pancreatic duct ligation. Main outcome measure: The levels of serum amylase were measured with an auto analyzer. Results: It was found that the mean (±SD) level of serum amylase in the control group was 947±182 IU/mL while it was 358±177 IU/mL in the experimental group (P<0.001). Conclusions: The 20 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal injection of melatonin which was carried out for one week attenuated the serum amylase levels to a statistically significant degree. The researchers believe that intraperitoneal injections of melatonin decrease the severity of acute pancreatitis.