Secretory immunoglobulin A in pancreatic juice and pancreatic tissue of patients with chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND

The predominance of secretory IgA (S-IgA) in intestinal secretions compared with blood is well established, but concentrations of this protein in pancreatic juice and its origin, especially in chronic pancreatitis, are unknown.

AIMS

To investigate the role of S-IgA in chronic pancreatitis.

PATIENTS

Twenty one patients with chronic pancreatitis (group I), three patients with proven malignancies (group II), and 12 patients without pancreatic disease (group III).

METHODS

Pure human pancreatic juice was collected endoscopically in four fractions after consecutive stimulation with secretin and cholecystokinin (CCK). Samples were analysed for S-IgA, protein, trypsinogen, and proteolytic activity.

RESULTS

The S-IgA level was significant increased in fraction 1 of pancreatic juice of group I (1210 (1411) ng/ml) compared with controls (33 (70) ng/ml). Protein concentrations and trypsinogen content were lower in group I than in the other groups. Proteolytic activity could be observed in 53% of all 133 pancreatic juice samples, but in 87% of fraction 1. In pancreatic tissue of three patients with chronic pancreatitis both IgA and secretory component were detected by immunohistology. Expression of the secretory component by human pancreatic epithelial cells was increased in patients with chronic pancreatitis compared with normal controls. The concentration of S-IgA in pancreatic juice did not correlate with the serum S-IgA level. In contrast, serum levels of S-IgA were decreased in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

CONCLUSION

There are high levels of S-IgA in human pancreatic juice following chronic inflammation and a protective role is suggested for this immunoglobulin.