Figure 6  .

Localisation of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in the pancreas of control rats and 24 hours after 3.0 g/kg or 4.5 g/kg arginine injection. Epifluorescence images of HSP27 (coloured red) are overlaid on corresponding Nomarski images. In control rats (A), fluorescent HSP27 staining was limited to small blood vessels. After 3.0 g/kg arginine treatment (B), acinar cells were strongly labelled in a patchy manner. Ducts and blood vessels in the areas strongly expressing HSP27 in acinar cells showed little staining. After 4.5 g/kg arginine treatment (C, D), fewer acinar cells expressed HSP strongly whereas most showed weak or no expression. Acinar structure was compromised at the higher arginine dose, and oedematous areas were present (C). In some areas, foci of well organised acini were sometimes present (D). These acini expressed HSP27 whereas adjacent areas showed little HSP27 staining and poorly organised or disrupted acini. Images are representative of at least three individual animals in each group.