A new criterion in the assessment of bentiromide as a test of exocrine pancreatic function in alcoholics.

Bentiromide (N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid; Bz-Tyr-PABA) is a useful agent in the assessment of exocrine pancreatic function. Bz-Tyr-PABA is hydrolyzed by chymotrypsin in the intestine with liberation of PABA and its metabolic products, arylamines. This study was undertaken to determine the normal values for absorption and excretion of arylamines in normal volunteers and in alcoholics without detectable disorders of the pancreas, liver, or small intestine. After an overnight fast, basal blood and urine samples for baseline arylamine levels were collected, followed by oral administration of 500 mg of bentiromide. A 6-h urine collection was instituted, and 90- and 120-min plasma samples were obtained. The results were analyzed comparing normals and alcoholics: The mean concentration of arylamines was significantly higher in alcoholics than nonalcoholic subjects in baseline urine and in plasma at 90 and 120 min; no significant difference was found between alcoholics and nonalcoholics when comparing mean arylamine levels in 6-h urines. In summary, cumulative 6-h urine arylamine levels are more reliable as a criterion than 90- and 120-min plasma levels in the assessment of exocrine pancreatic function in alcoholics.