Output of bile and pancreatic enzymes after test meals with different fat content. Influence of body weight on pancreatic enzyme composition.

The output of bile and pancreatic enzymes after two mixed meals with different fat content was studied in 16 healthy volunteers of normal body-weight. A quantitative multiple indicator dilution method was used. The delivery of more fat per time to the duodenum after the fat rich compared to the low fat meal was followed by the emptying of more bile but did not significantly increase the pancreatic response. The ratio between amylase and lipase was constant throughout the course of a single experiment but differed between the subjects. The ratio decreased with an increasing body weight, indicating a relative dominance of amylase over lipase in the lighter and the reverse in the heavy subjects. The same correlation was found when results from a previously reported series with a glucose containing mixed meal were reexamined. It is proposed that long time dietary differences might influence the enzyme composition of the postprandial pancreatic secretion.