[Prostaglandins and cyclic nucleotides in chronic pancreatitis].

The content of pancreatic enzymes, cyclic nucleotides and prostaglandins (PG) in the duodenal contents was measured in 77 patients with chronic pancreatitis and in 20 healthy individuals. Pancreatitis exacerbation was attended by a decrease in enzymatic activity, in bicarbonate, cAMP and cGMP production. The content of PGE in pancreatic secretion remained normal, that of PGF2 alpha was elevated. Stimulation of the exocrine part of the pancreas by means of euphylline, pentagastrin and calcium was accompanied by the rise of the content of cyclic nucleotides rather than of PG. Suppression of enzymatic secretion by contrykal was followed by the reduction in the content of the cyclic nucleotides and PGE. The data suggest that cyclic nucleotides and PG are involved in the mechanism by which the external secretion of the pancreas is impaired in patients with chronic pancreatitis.