Changes in serum pancreatic enzymes after hormonal stimulation in chronic pancreatitis.

Eighteen patients with chronic pancreatitis and 12 healthy controls were subjected to hormonal stimulation by continuous secretin plus cerulein intravenous infusion or a rapid injection of secretin. In both tests total serum amylase, lipase, and TLI (trypsin-like immunoreactive substances) levels were measured. Continuous intravenous infusion does not bring about changes in the serum levels of the enzymes studied; rapid injection of secretin, however, induces changes in the serum levels of TLI and lipase (but not amylase) which makes it possible to distinguish patients with chronic pancreatitis in its early stages from advanced chronic pancreatitis but is of doubtful value in distinguishing healthy subjects from those suffering with chronic pancreatitis.