Pancreatic citrate and protein secretion of alcoholic dogs in response to graded doses of caerulein.

Previous studies have shown dissolution of human pancreatic stones in vitro by citrate solution which bind considerable amounts of ionized calcium. Pancreatic citrate secretion has been demonstrated in canine and human pancreatic juices. This study compares pancreatic citrate secretion of chronic alcohol-fed dogs with controls in response to graded doses of caerulein, in order to evaluate possible differences in factors favouring pancreatic lithogenicity. The dose-response-relation of citrate outputs after graded doses of caerulein revealed significantly reduced maximal secretory capacity of citrate in alcoholic dogs. Protein concentrations in juices from alcoholic dogs were reduced for all doses of caerulein but protein outputs were not different. Bicarbonate concentrations and outputs, as well as volumes, were significantly greater in alcoholic dogs. Linear relation were found between citrate and protein secretion. Chronic alcohol consumption in the dog leads to reduced citrate secretion, which is consistent with recent results in humans suffering from chronic calcifying pancreatitis, who secrete significantly less citrate than healthy subjects. The decrease of calcium-chelating citrate could be an additional factor causing increased calcium levels in the pancreatic juice of chronic alcoholics, a circumstance that might favour protein-plug formation and subsequently pancreatic stone formation.