Effects of hydrocortisone and cholecystokinin-octapeptide on neonatal rat pancreas.

Hydrocortisone and cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8) were injected into newborn rats on days 1-5 of life. Both agents induced significant increases in pancreatic weight, protein, DNA, and specific activities of amylase, chymotrypsinogen, and lipase. The ability of the pancreas to secrete amylase in response to carbachol was decreased by the administration of hydrocorticosterone at age 7 days. CCK-8 increased basal secretion at 7 days. We conclude that growth and secretory capacity of the newborn rat pancreas are under the control of both glucocorticoids and cholecystokinin.