Persisting modification of dogs' basal exocrine pancreatic secretion after repeated intravenous calcium injections

Abstract

Biochemical, histological and crystallographic studies were carried out on pure exocrine pancreatic juice of Ca-treated dogs and of normal dogs. A long-lasting effect of repeated i.v. Ca injections was observed on the protein basal secretion (output and concentration) with intraductal plug formation. The ionic equilibrium was changed, leading to modifications of protein and Ca solubilities with formation of protein and Ca precipitates. Plugs were further studied: 3 components were identified, cells mostly of ductal origin, Ca salt already crystallized in the plug on coming out of the duct and protein material in the central part of the plug. The importance of these data is in relation with pancreatic disorders by hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism.