Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Sodium Taurocholate Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: June 28, 2021
Pancreatic secretion in chronic alcoholics. Effects of acute alcohol or wine on response to a meal
F Hajnal1, M C Flores, J E Valenzuela
1Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Abstract:
To gain further insight on the effects of alcohol on human pancreatic enzyme secretion, we tested the effects of a 12% (v/v) alcohol solution, wine, and a glucose solution added to a meal on trypsin output in duodenal aspirate of nonalcoholic volunteers and compared the results to those of chronic alcoholics. Plasma concentrations of gastrin, cholecystokinin, and pancreatic polypeptide were monitored pre- and postprandially. Similar blood alcohol concentrations were determined in nonalcoholics and alcoholics following wine and the alcohol solution. Nonstimulated trypsin output (basal) was higher in alcoholics but not significantly so when compared to nonalcoholics. However postprandial trypsin output, 2014 +/- 301 mg/5 hr was significantly greater in alcoholics (P < 0.05) compared to nonalcoholics 1271 +/- 118 mg/5 hr. Alcohol and wine when added to the meal significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited trypsin output in both groups. Basal and postprandial levels of gastrin and cholecystokinin were similar in nonalcoholics and alcoholics. Basal plasma pancreatic polypeptide levels were similar in both groups, but the postprandial increments in pancreatic polypeptide levels observed in nonalcoholics were not observed in alcoholics. We conclude that chronic alcoholics have increased postprandial pancreatic enzyme secretion, and that this secretion, as that of nonalcoholics, can be affected by alcohol or wine. The postprandial hypersecretion of enzymes in alcoholics is not related to increased plasma levels of cholecystokinin or gastrin. It is possible that the impaired release of pancreatic polypeptide may participate in the mechanism for increased pancreatic enzyme secretion in chronic alcoholics.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

