[Effect of orally administered pancreatic extract on Vibrio cholerae infection during protein deficiency]

Two groups of 5 and 6 Vervet monkeys respectively were fed a protein-free diet. Both groups of protein depleted Vervets developed a minor decrease of serum and intestinal immunoglobulins, as well as marked impairment of exocrine pancreatic function. Thereafter the groups were challenged with Vibrio cholerae, while one group received purified pancreatic extract by oral administration. The group without pancreatic extract developed severe and significantly longer lasting diarrhea than the group with pancreatic extract. Vibrios were excreted for much longer in the former group. It is concluded that exocrine pancreatic function is involved in the local defence mechanism against cholera during protein deficiency.