Influence of pancreatic duct ligation on endocrine and exocrine rat pancreas

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Abstract
A parallel investigation into endocrine and exocrine pancreatic function, after duct-ligation in the rat, was performed to study the effect of reduced intestinal trypsin levels on insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. Animals with only a slight exocrine insufficiency displayed a normal insulin secretion and a normal glucose tolerance 4 wk after operation. At 4-5 mo. these animals showed a slight increase in glucose-induced insulin release when compared with control rats. Animals operated on with a more complete ligation of the pancreatic ducts, who showed a marked exocrine insufficiency accompanied by decreased levels of intestinal trypsin, displayed a markedly increased insulin secretory response to i.v. glucose and an increased glucose tolerance. Results support a previous suggestion that, in the rat, the levels of intestinal trypsin may influence insulin secretory processes via complex feedback mechanisms which may involve cholecystokinin and/or other intestinal hormones.