Effect of d-l-ethionine on electrolyte secretion of the dog pancreas

¹ Pancreatic Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City

The secretion of fluid and electrolytes, as well as amylase, was studied in response to secretin and pancreozymin stimulation in unanesthetized dogs fitted with a Thomas-type duodenal fistula by inserting a cannula directly into the main pancreatic duct before and during a 3-week period of ethionine administration. In addition to the well-established destructive effect of d-l-ethionine on the acinar cell and its secretion of enzymes, changes occurred in the secretion of HCO₃ and H₂O in response to secretin. During the early phase of ethionine intoxication (weeks 1–2) HCO₃ concentration fell despite preservation of the volume rate of flow. During the second and third weeks, HCO₃ concentration was preserved despite marked reduction in volume rate of flow. It is suggested that these findings may be correlated with changes in ductular as well as acinar cells. Na and K concentration, juice osmolality, and the reciprocal Cl-HCO₃ relationship were unaltered.

Key Words: acinar cell • secretin and pancreozymin stimulation • amylase • flow rate of pancreatic fluid

Submitted on December 17, 1962