[Exocrine function of a heterotopically transplanted pancreas segment in humans]

Pancreatic secretion is involved in circadian regulation of the whole organism. This observation was obtained in animals and humans with pancreatic fistulas. We report on three patients in whom the pancreas was removed totally or subtotally because of chronic pancreatitis with severe pain. A segment of the removed gland was transplanted into the thigh in order to preserve endocrine function. The pancreatic duct was drained by a polyethylene tube until pancreatic duct occlusion. Postoperatively juice volume increased within 3 days and remained constant afterwards with 300 ml in 24 hours. Secretin, cholecystokinin and food intake are able to stimulate the transplanted segment in a typical manner. The secretion showed circadian changes. In all patients the pancreatic juice content of protein, amylase, trypsinogen, calcium, and zink decreased till 11 p.m. After 11 p.m. the content of all substances increased and reached maximal values at 6 a.m. Flow rates and therefore output per minute decreased greatly till 6 a.m. The large juice volume of 300 ml in 24 hours is perhaps the consequence of a break down of the feedback mechanism between intraduodenal trypsin activity and CCK-release. The changes during the night may be of pathogenetic relevance. In the early morning pancreatic juice is highly concentrated and the flow rate is very low. High protein concentrations, high calcium concentrations, and reduced flow rates may lead to protein and calcium carbonate precipitates. This mechanism is under discussion in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis.