Selectively aspirated pure pancreatic secretion. Viscosity, trypsin activity, protein concentration and lactoferrin content of pancreatic juice in chronic pancreatitis.

The viscosity, trypsin activity, protein concentration and lactoferrin concentration in selectively aspirated, pure pancreatic secretion uncontaminated by bile, were determined in 46 patients with chronic pancreatitis and compared with the values obtained in 39 control subjects. The viscosity was measured using a modified capillary viscosimeter, the trypsin activity and the protein concentration using photometry, and the concentration of lactoferrin employing a new standard. It was found that in chronic pancreatitis, viscosity, trypsin activity and lactoferrin concentration was also found to be increased, but the differences were not significant. The results of this examination support the hypothesis that precipitation of protein-containing material in the pancreatic ducts, delayed outflow of secretion and premature activation of trypsin are pathogenically important factors in chronic pancreatitis.