Experimental Fat Necrosis: the Action of Pancreatic Tissue upon Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

In a paper by the writer published in 1897" an account was given of some experiments which sought to discover the cause of the " fa t necrosis" so often associated with acute disease of the pancreas. Since fat necrosis consists of a decomposition of the neutral oils contained in fat cells, the attempt was made to discover whether that change could be accomplished by the pancreatic juice, which has a ferment capable of decomposing neutral oils. To this end a ligature was placed about the gastro-splenic portion of the pancreas near the duodenum. In some cases as many as possible of the veins leaving the pancreas were tied and the substance of the gland was lacerated with a sharp hook. The object of the operation was to prevent the outflow of the pancreatic juice into the duodenum and to permit it to act upon the adjacent adipose tissues. The operation was performed upon twenty animals, mostly cats. In five cases well-marked fat necrosis ensued. There were three indecisive and twelve negative results. In three of the five cases where positive findings were obtained an accidental micrococcus infection was associated. I t was not, therefore, considered justifiable to attribute the fat necrosis to the action of the pancreatic juice alone. In order to discover whether bacteria played any important role in the production of fat necrosis, operations similar to those described have since been undertaken, where infection with pyogeni¢ bacteria was brought about intentionally.