Pancreatic basal secretion in alcohol-fed and normal dogs.

Biochemical, histological, and crystallographic studies were carried out on basal pancreatic secretion of 4 dogs fed alcohol for 12-15 months and 11 control dogs. The results in alcohol-fed dogs when compared to normals showed that: (1) protein concentration was higher, (2) fluid was decreased; (3) conductivity was decreased leading to differences in ionic distribution: Cl- and H+ ion concentrations increased, HCO3 concentrations and output decreased, total Ca, Mg, and Zn soluble in the juice did not change and therefore Ca, Mg, and Zn to protein ratios decreased. In the basal secretion of alcoholic dogs, numerous plugs were found of which three components were identified: (1) cells mostly of ductal origin; (2) calcium already crystallized; (3) protein material in the center of these plugs. Thus a change in Donan equilibrium led to modifications of protein and calcium solubilities with formation of precipitates. These findings are relevant to the study of chronic pancreatitis due to alcohol consumption.