The secretin test in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases with a report of one hundred thirty tests

Summary and Conclusions

Secretin, given intravenously in dosage of 0.75 mg./Kg, of body weight, causes a marked response in the flow of pancreatic juice. The use of a double lumen gastro-duodenal tube provides a clear uncontaminated juice rich in bicarbonate and enzymes.

The external secretion of the pancreas may be regarded as governed by a neuro-hormonal factor. The volume and bicarbonate secretion is directly proportional to the amount of Secretin injected while the production of enzymes is dependent in addition upon a neurogenic or vagal tone. When Secretin alone is injected, pancreatic juice of low enzyme concentration is elaborated. When insulin or other vagal stimuli are used in conjunction with Secretin the enzyme concentration is increased two to three fold.

In severe lesions of the pancreas all functions are simultaneously involved and become markedly diminished. In milder forms the enzyme production is the first to suffer. The volume and bicarbonate are more stable and are less easily disturbed.

The enzymes may become dissociated so that one may become more affected than another.