Origin of circulating serum immunoreactive trypsin in man

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Physiology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Serum trypsin is a key digestive enzyme.
• Understanding the source of circulating trypsin is crucial for diagnosing pancreatic and gastrointestinal disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the source of serum trypsin in the portal venous system.
• To investigate the role of intestinal reabsorption in circulating trypsin levels.

Main Methods:

• Transhepatic portal venography was used to measure serum trypsin concentrations in the portal venous system.
• Measurements were taken at the splenic hilum, splenic vein, portal vein, and superior mesenteric vein.
• Serum trypsin levels were also assessed following stimulation with cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (CCK-PZ) and secretin.

Main Results:

• Mean serum trypsin concentration at the splenic hilum was 180 +/- 25 ng/ml.
• Concentrations in the portal vein (210 +/- 32 ng/ml) and superior mesenteric vein (233 +/- 29 ng/ml) were significantly higher than at the splenic hilum (P < 0.05).
• Hormonal stimulation led to marked increases in serum trypsin within the portal and superior mesenteric veins.

Conclusions:

• Circulating serum trypsin is derived, at least in part, from intestinal reabsorption.
• The superior mesenteric vein and portal vein play significant roles in the systemic circulation of trypsin.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex origins of serum trypsin.