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Preparation of Pancreatic Acinar Cells for the Purpose of Calcium Imaging, Cell Injury Measurements, and Adenoviral Infection
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Published on: July 5, 2013

Stimulation of exocrine pancreatic secretion by met-enkephalin

L Gullo, P Priori, F Baldoni

    Gut
    |December 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Met-enkephalin significantly boosted pancreatic secretion, particularly bicarbonate output, in patients with pancreatic duct drainage. This peptide enhances exocrine function, showing a notable increase in bicarbonate levels.

    Area of Science:

    • Gastroenterology
    • Endocrinology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Exocrine pancreatic secretion is crucial for digestion.
    • Opioid peptides like met-enkephalin may influence gastrointestinal functions.
    • Understanding exogenous peptide effects on pancreatic function is important for therapeutic insights.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of met-enkephalin on pure exocrine pancreatic secretion.
    • To quantify the effects of met-enkephalin on bicarbonate and enzyme secretion.
    • To assess the duration and onset of met-enkephalin's action on the pancreas.

    Main Methods:

    • Studied five subjects with external transduodenal pancreatic duct drainage post-biliary surgery.
    • Administered intravenous met-enkephalin at a low dose (0.15 µg/kg/h).
    • Stimulated pancreatic secretion submaximally using secretin (25 ng/kg/h) and cerulein (10 ng/kg/h).

    Main Results:

    • Met-enkephalin infusion significantly increased pancreatic outputs.
    • Bicarbonate secretion rose by 50% above control levels.
    • Enzyme secretion showed a maximal increase averaging 22%, with effects being rapid and dose-dependent.

    Conclusions:

    • Met-enkephalin enhances exocrine pancreatic secretion, with a pronounced effect on bicarbonate output.
    • The findings suggest a role for endogenous or exogenous opioids in regulating pancreatic exocrine function.
    • Further research could explore therapeutic applications of met-enkephalin in pancreatic disorders.

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