Pepsinogen: Its Origins, Secretion and Excretion

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Abstract
The brief discussion of the chemistry of pepsinogen and pepsin which precedes the main discussion serves as a basis for understanding the various methods used in peptic assay, and the study of the behavior of pepsinogen in the body. Several hypotheses are introduced in an attempt to explain some apparent inconsistencies and gaps in available data. These hypotheses deal with the nature of the products and functions of the chief cell, other than pepsinogen secretion; the relation between synthesis and secretion of pepsinogen; the mechanism whereby pepsinogen, normally intracellular and luminally-directed when secreted, gains entry into the blood; and finally, the mechanisms whereby the pepsinogen which enters the blood is excreted by the kidney. These bridges allowed a consecutive discussion ,of the structure and function of the peptic cell, the secretion of pepsinogen into the gastric lumen, and the passage of this proenzyme into the blood and urine.