A new method of testing pancreatin therapy in vivo by the use of a peroral chymotrypsin substrate 4-(N-acetyl-L-tyrosyl)aminobenzoic acid.

The efficacy of pancreatin in vivo was determined in 14 patients with advanced pancreatic insufficiency using a peroral test with 2 g of chymotrypsin substrate, 4-(N-acetyl-L-tyrosyl)aminobenzoic acid, the Lundh test meal and 1000 ml tea. Chymotrypsin hydrolysis was quantified by 4-aminobenzoic acid excreted in 6-hr or 8-hr urine samples. After a control test without pancreatin, one or two tablets of Panpur (Nordmark-700 mg of pancreatin and 50 mg of bile per tablet) were applied simultaneously with the Lundh meal on repeated examinations. The urinary excretion of 4-aminobenzoic acid was restored to normal values in 5 subjects during both sampling periods. With this method, stimulated and substituted chymotrypsin is measured at the same time. The conditions of the tests, both with and without pancreatin replacement, are fully comparable and thus the significance of factors modifying the activity of enzymic components in the digestive tube is limited. The method appears appropriate for the institution of an effect pancreatin therapy and its control in vivo.