[Endocrine function of the pancreas in chronic pancreatitis]

Endocrine function of the pancreas was examined in patients with chronic pancreatitis of different etiology. Radioimmunoassay was applied to measure blood immunoreactive insulin, C-peptide and glucagon as characteristics of the hormonal activity of the pancreas. Pancreatic function was revealed to be disordered. The degree of the disorders correlated with the disease gravity and duration as well as with its progress (exacerbation or remission). As compared with patients presenting with cholepancreatitis, more remarkable alterations, which were particularly well observable during making the glucose tolerance test, were found in patients with chronic pancreatitis of alcoholic etiology.