Chronic pancreatitis is a debilitating disease affecting millions worldwide. These patients suffer from bouts of severe
pain that are minimally relieved by
pain medications and may necessitate major surgeries with high morbidity and mortality. Previously, we demonstrated that "chemical
pancreatectomy," a pancreatic intraductal infusion of dilute
acetic acid solution, ablated the exocrine pancreas while preserving the endocrine pancreas. Notably, chemical
pancreatectomy resolved chronic
inflammation, alleviated
allodynia in the
cerulein pancreatitis model, and improved
glucose homeostasis. Herein, we extensively tested the feasibility of a chemical
pancreatectomy in NHPs and validated our previously published pilot study. We did serial computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen and pelvis, analyzed dorsal root ganglia, measured serum
enzymes, and performed histological and ultrastructural assessments and pancreatic endocrine function assays.  Based on serial CT scans, chemical
pancreatectomy led to the loss of pancreatic volume. Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated exocrine pancreatic ablation with endocrine islet preservation. Importantly, chemical
pancreatectomy did not increase pro-nociceptive markers in harvested dorsal root ganglia. Also, chemical
pancreatectomy improved insulin secretion to supranormal levels in vivo and in vitro. Thus, this study may provide a foundation for translating this procedure to patients with
chronic pancreatitis or other conditions requiring a
pancreatectomy.