Abstract
We explored the effect of aging on basal and secretin stimulated pancreatic exocrine secretion because of clinical reports of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in aging individuals. We studied conscious rats, 3, 4, 13, 24 and 27 months of age, with external drainage of pancreatic secretions, unobstructed bile flow, and complete diversion of gastric secretions. Pancreatic juice was measured for volume, and assayed for bicarbonate, protein content, and amylase activity.
Aged animals (27 months of age) had drastic reductions in both basal and stimulated secretory volume, bicarbonate output, protein output, and amylase output. Thus, aging in this animal model is associated with marked decrease in exocrine pancreatic secretions, suggesting that the isolated case reports in man may represent a more common problem than has been appreciated.
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Pelot, D., LoRusso, J.V. & Hollander, D. The influence of aging on basal and secretin stimulated pancreatic exocrine secretion in the unanesthetized rat. AGE 10, 1–4 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02431764
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02431764