Distribution of amylase and chymotrypsin in four regions of the rat pancreas.

Recent observations have confirmed the existence of more than one pool of secretory proteins in the rat pancreatic tissue. To determine if these different pools could be located in the different regions of the rat pancreas, the amylase and chymotrypsin contents have been measured in the biliary, duodenal, gastric, and splenic regions. On a tissue DNA content, protein content, or a fresh weight basis, the proportions of these two enzymes are comparable in the four regions. It is therefore postulated that heterogeneity of enzyme composition exists either within these regions or within the acinar cell itself.