Evaluation of an extended pancreatic function test in normal subjects and in patients with chronic pancreatitis

Exocrine pancreatic response was evaluated in patients with varying degrees of pancreatic damage and in control subjects by means of an extended pancreatic function test (PFT). A second injection of secretin and pancreozymin was given after completion of the standard test. The discriminatory value of the standard PFT with regard to bicarbonate and enzyme output was not enhanced by a second bolus dose of hormones. It is concluded that the secretory potential of damaged pancreatic exocrine tissue cannot be exhausted by prolonged stimulation employing repeat bolus stimulation.