The hexosamine concentration and output in human pure pancreatic juice in chronic pancreatitis

Hexosamine concentration in human pure pancreatic juice was determined during wash-out phase and secretin stimulation phase. Specimens were collected by endoscopic retrograde catheterization of the papilla at one minute intervals for 20 minutes after intravenous injection of secretin (Eisai, 1 U/kg) and for 10 minutes after pancreozymin injection (Boots, 1 U/kg). In suspected and established chronic pancreatitis (calcifying or non-calcifying), hexosamine concentration was significantly raised during both wash-out phase and secretin phase. Hexosamine output was significantly raised in suspected chronic pancreatitis and non-calcifying chronic pancreatitis during both wash-out phase and secretin phase; in calcifying chronic pancreatitis, no significant increase in hexosamine output was noted during both phases because of decreased secretory volume. Significance of these findings was discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis.