Pancreatic exocrine deficiency after partial pancreatectomy in conscious dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the secretory responses to physiological stimulation of the exocrine pancreas after partial pancreatectomy in conscious animals.

DESIGN

Controlled study.

MATERIAL

Thirteen mongrel dogs.

INTERVENTIONS

Partial pancreatectomy (n = 4), and creation of gastric and pancreatic (Herrera) fistulas (n = 13). Collections of duodenal juice at 15 minute intervals after an oral meal or during intraduodenal infusion of sodium oleate, and blood samples.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Protein concentration in duodenal juice and cholecystokinin 33/39 concentrations in plasma one and three months after partial pancreatectomy, and secretion of fluid by the pancreas.

RESULTS

Pancreatic protein output after a meal was significantly reduced at one and three months in dogs after partial pancreatectomy compared with control animals. Protein output in response to an intraduodenal infusion of oleate was also reduced at both time points. In contrast, secretion of fluid after a meal or during infusion of oleate was unchanged by removal of the distal lobe. There was no correlation between the effects of partial pancreatectomy on protein output and plasma concentrations of cholecystokinin 33/39.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatic exocrine deficiency, particularly the reduction in secretion of protein, results directly from the partial pancreatectomy and persists for at least three months after the operation.