Collection of pancreatic juice in experimental animals: mini-review of materials and methods

This article briefly describes some anatomical details of the pancreatic duct system in dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and rats that are important for the preparation of pancreatic ducts for surgery. The advantages and disadvantages of various materials used for preparing cannulas and catheters for the collection of pancreatic juice are also presented. Several techniques of pancreatic duct cannulation (Thomas', duodenal pouch and Routley's methods) and pancreatic juice collection are discussed with regards to the specificity of different animal species. The results of various collections of pancreatic juice obtained in different laboratories, and resulting from the application of specific methods for particular experimental purposes are discussed.