Changes in Pancreatic Enzymes Brought About by Alteration in the Nature of the Dietary Protein

Abstract

Pancreatic trypsin and lipase were significantly higher after a 24 hour fast in rats fed a high casein diet for 3 weeks previously than they were in others fed high carbohydrate, zein or gelatin diets. Rats fed 8% casein diets and receiving 400 mg of Urecholine (Merck) subcutaneously daily or 1% dl-valine with 7% casein under the same conditions as in the above experiment produced more lipase and trypsin than the controls although the valine fed animals gained less weight than the controls. It is believed that lipase and trypsin production increase if the stimuli for production increase, even if adequate weight gain is not maintained. Valine and Urecholine are stimulants; gelatin, zein, and carbohydrate are poor in this respect. The possible bearing that these results might have on pancreatic deficiencies in malnutrition is discussed.