Pancreatic synthetic rates: a new test of pancreatic function

Synthesis of pancreatic enzymes was measured in 7 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 10 patients with no pancreatic disease, on the basis of the incorporation of 75Se-methionine into pancreatic exocrine proteins. Two of the patients with chronic pancreatitis had normal exocrine function. Pancreatic secretion was stimulated by intravenous infusion of secretin (1 clinical unit x kg-1 x h-1) and cholecystokinin (1 Ivy dog unit x kg-1 x h-1). 75Se-methionine (3.0 microCi x kg-1) was added to the infusion. Synthetic rates were significantly greater in all the patients with chronic pancreatitis, including the two individuals with normal responses to stimulation with secretin and cholecystokinin. Studies of synthetic rates may therefore be able to confirm the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis before exocrine insufficiency becomes manifest.