[Pancreatic hormonal function and proteolytic activity in peptic ulcer]

Blood serum insulin, glucagon, pepsinogen, trypsin was studied by radioimmunological methods in 95 patients with ulcer disease. Fasting values and values 1 and 2 hours after a standard breakfast (1212 kcal) were evaluated. It was established that all patients showed a statistically valid increase of the basal level of glucagon while patients with gastric ulcer showed an increase of the basal insulin level. Use of a test breakfast showed reserve and compensatory capacities of the hormonal pancreatic function. Patients with gastric and duodenal ulcer revealed an increase of the pepsinogen level under conditions of basal secretion and after a test breakfast.