INCREASED PLASMA PANCREATIC POLYPEPTIDE IN CHRONIC ALCOHOL ABUSE

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Abstract
Post-prandial plasma gastrointestinal hormone profiles were measured in 9 chronic alcoholics, 1 and 14 days after complete alcohol withdrawal. Basal plasma pancreatic polypeptide concentration (PP-mean .+-. SE mean) was significantly greater in alcoholics (control, 28 .+-. 5 pmol/l; alcoholics, post-withdrawal day 1, 62 .+-. 14 pmol/l, P < 0.05; and post-withdrawal day 14, 89 .+-. 17 pmol/l, P < 0.005). The total integrated (TIR) PP response following a test breakfast was similarly elevated (control, 442 .+-. 63 units; alcoholics, day 1, 1310 .+-. 231 units, P < 0.005; day 14, 1066 .+-. 66, P < 0.005). Basal and TIR values for gastrin, gastric inhibitory peptide, insulin and glucagon were similar in alcoholics and controls. As PP has been shown to inhibit pancreatic exocrine enzyme secretion, these findings may help explain the abnormal pancreatic function seen frequently in alcoholics.