Exocrine pancreatic secretions in normal infants and children
Bier, H.; Polonovski, C.
Pathologie-Biologie 21(9): 1003-1013
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0369-8114 PMID: 4590507 Document Number: 62274
Pancreatic secretion was studied in 70 normal children at birth and up to 15 years. Collections with a small-calibre duodenal tube were made during fasting or during 20 min from the injection of pancreozymin, 2 U/kg, followed by secretin, 2 U/kg. Estimations were made of the activities of amylase, lipase, trypsin, chymotrypsin and carboxypeptidase A. Volume of secretion was highest during the first year. Concentration of bicarbonate was independent of age. Enzyme activity, with the exception of amylase, showed a peak during the first year coinciding with the phase of intense growth; in 2 cases this relatively high activity was found just before puberty. Enzyme activity with pancreozymin was constant. Activities of lipase and proteolytic enzymes were low during the first 3 months which suggested insufficient secretion of bile salts for optimal effect of lipase and a defect of activation or an excess of inhibitors of the proteolytic enzymes.