EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MEASUREMENT OF SERUM PANCREATIC SECRETORY TRYPSIN INHIBITOR IN ACUTE PANCREATITIS

Abstract

Diagnostic significance of measurement of serum pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (PSTI) by radioimmunoassay (RIA) was studied on canine experimental acute pancreatitis.
The PSTI was purified from canine pancreatic juice and a reliable RIA system for canine PSTI has been developed, serum PSTI level in healthy dogs was measured to be 4.3±4.0ng/ml (mean±SD). Using this RIA, the changes in the serum PSTI were evaluated in the canine experimental model. It began to show a high level immediately after development of pancreatitis (highest value 50.8± 54.0ng/ml) and maintained the high level in the necrotizing pancreatitis.
In contrast, the edematous pancreatitis of mild model of acute pancreatitis had a lower level of the PSTI. Substantial difference was observed between edematous and necrotizing pancreatitis.
In addition, the PSTI level remained signifivantly higher in the group of dead animals than that in the group of survivors. It is suggested that the measurement of the time course changes of the serum PSTI was useful not only for evaluating the severity but also the prognostic interpretation in acute pancreatitis.