Exocrine pancreatic function in the elderly

We studied pancreatic bicarbonate and enzyme output in response to a continuous intravenous infusion of secretin, 1 CU/kg X h, and cerulein, 100 ng/kg X h, in 25 elderly subjects and in 30 young controls. Almost all elderly persons had pancreatic outputs within the range of controls. Only 3 aged individuals showed diminished enzyme output, but the reduction was very slight. We conclude that exocrine pancreatic function is not significantly influenced by aging.