Dose-related effect of bombesin on serum cationic trypsinogen levels

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Pancreatic Physiology

Background:

• Serum cationic trypsinogen (CT) is a marker of pancreatic acinar cell stimulation.
• The effects of bombesin and caerulein on CT release are not fully understood.
• Investigating hormonal influences on pancreatic secretion is crucial for understanding digestive processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the serum cationic trypsinogen (CT) response to a mixed meal, caerulein, and bombesin in healthy volunteers.
• To examine the effect of bombesin on CT levels in patients with distal gastrectomy.
• To elucidate the mechanism of bombesin-induced CT release.

Main Methods:

• A mixed meal was administered to 12 healthy volunteers.
• Bombesin or caerulein infusions were administered to separate groups of 6 healthy volunteers.
• Serum CT, amylase, and isoamylase levels were measured.
• The study also included 6 patients with distal gastrectomy receiving bombesin infusion.

Main Results:

• Serum CT levels did not change after meal ingestion or caerulein infusion.
• Bombesin infusion resulted in a dose-related increase in serum CT levels.
• Bombesin did not affect serum amylase or isoamylase levels.
• In gastrectomized patients, bombesin also increased serum CT levels.

Conclusions:

• Bombesin directly stimulates pancreatic acinar cells, leading to increased serum CT.
• The action of bombesin is independent of cholecystokinin or gastrin release.
• Bombesin may serve as a specific stimulant for pancreatic acinar secretion.