Studies have revealed a key role for phospholipase A2 in propagating this inflammatory response by inducing the production of inflammatory mediators, including arachidonic acid metabolites. Elevated levels of phospholipase A2 have been found in the serum of patients with AP who develop severe complications, including pancreatic necrosis, shock, and OF. The in vitro inhibition of phospholipase A2 using NSAIDs has been evaluated as a potential treatment strategy for AP, with indomethacin shown to be the most potent inhibitor among 17 tested agents. NSAIDs also inhibit the interaction of neutrophils with endothelial cells, thus preventing the accumulation of neutrophils at the site of injury.