Effect of alcohol and alcoholic beverages on nonstimulated pancreatic secretion in humans

The effects of alcoholic beverages on pancreatic secretion, blood trypsin levels, the release of gastrin and cholecystokinin were studied and compared with those of an alcohol and a glucose solution. Studies were done on six healthy male volunteers. The trypsin level was measured in the duodenal aspirate, while blood trypsin and gastrin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay and the cholecystokinin level was measured by bioassay. Studies were done on 5 different days, and on each day, the effects of either a glucose solution; an alcohol solution; or wine, beer, and gin solutions infused into the stomach were compared. The glucose solution stimulated trypsin secretion (a threefold increase above the basal measure) and the release of cholecystokinin without changes in the blood trypsin level. Blood alcohol levels, after the alcohol solution and all alcoholic beverages, were similar, and subjects showed mild symptoms of intoxication. Pancreatic enzyme secretion and trypsin blood levels were not significantly affected by either alcohol or the alcoholic beverages. Wine and beer caused significant release of gastrin and cholecystokinin. Under the conditions of this study, which reproduce those of excessive alcohol drinking, alcohol and alcoholic beverages did not stimulate pancreatic enzyme secretion, although wine and beer increased the release of gastrin and cholecystokinin. We conclude that alcohol and alcoholic beverages do not affect nonstimulated pancreatic enzyme secretion.