[Indices of endocrine activities of the digestive organs in patients with dysentery]

Some indices of pancreatic endocrine function were studied over time in patients with acute dysentery. The plasma levels of insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, and gastrin were determined by a radioimmunoassay. 35 patients and 30 healthy controls were examined. Clinical signs of the affection of the pancreas in the patients were undetectable. However, significant reduction of the level of C-peptide in the acute period of disease as compared to the normal level, an increase in the level of insulin during early convalescence, and the reduction of gastrin concentration during the entire period of disease were noted. These indices are indicative of disorder of pancreatic endocrine function in patients with acute dysentery.