Effect of Copper Deficiency on Enzyme Secretion from Isolated Pancreatic Acini

Abstract

Over the past 15 years a number of reports have appeared which indicate that copper (Cu) deficiency is accompanied by a selective and progressive atrophy of pancreatic acinar tissue without any change in the ductal tissue^1–3. Smith, et al³ observed that this pancreatic atrophy was also associated with functional alterations of the organ, as indicated by a reduced in vivo pancreatic secretory response to secretin or caerulein. To evaluate further the changes in secretory response of the exocrine pancreas in Cu deficiency, the present study investigates the changes in enzyme secretion from dispersed pancreatic acini in response to CCK-8 (cholecystokinin octapeptide), secretin and carbachol. In addition, amylase, trypsin and chymotrypsin activities (as a measure of enzyme levels) in the pancreas were also determined.