Histopathology of pancreatic lesions in cerulein-treated 12 months old WT C57BL/6 mice.

Pancreatic sections were stained with H&E. Photographs A–E display representative examples of pancreatic damage at the time points 0 h, 3 h, 8 h, 24 h and 7 days after the start of cerulein treatment. (A) 0 h – healthy pancreas (B) 3 h – focal cell swelling, vacuolization and cystic degeneration, death of single cells (C) 8 h – in addition to the changes at 3 h progressive interstitial edema and widespread cell death (D) 24 h – interstitial edema, cell degeneration and multiple apoptotic and necrotic cells; presence of interstitial inflammatory cells (E) day 7 – slight residual cell swelling. Photograph (F) from a mouse on day 7 shows an additional incidental finding occasionally observed especially in 12 months old mice: lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic interstitial infiltrate surrounding ducts and vessels; compatible with an autoimmune pancreatitis.