INCREASE OF METALLOTHIONEIN BY CHOLECYSTOKININ IN MOUSE PANCREAS

Effects of cholecystokinin on metallothionein in mice were studied. Th e total amount of metallothionein in the mouse pancreas increased afte r the injection of cholecystokinin. The increase was dose-dependent an d a positive relationship was observed between amylase activity in the serum and the total amount of metallothionein in the pancreas. A pre- injection of zinc, cadmium or benzene depressed the increase of the se rum amylase activity after the injection of cholecystokinin In the cas e of pre-induced MT, a negative relationship was found between metallo thionein concentration in the pancreas and amylase activity in the ser um. These results indicate that the metallothionein concentration in t he mouse pancreas increased after the injection of cholecystokinin, an d suggest that metallothionein in the pancreas may protect the pancrea s against acute pancreatitis caused by cholecystokinin.