CCK-8 AND GASTRIN PLASMA-LEVELS IN CHOLECYSTECTOMIZED AND COLORECTAL-CANCER PATIENTS

The elevated incidence of large bowel carcinoma after cholecystectomy has long been controversial. The pathomechanism of this entity, howeve r, is still unclear. Many authors have demonstrated a correlation betw een cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin levels and the occurrence of col orectal cancer. As yet, no clear data are available on the potential i mpact of cholecystectomy on CCK level alterations. Moreover, no report s have yet been published on CCK receptors. We have investigated the r ole of CCK-8 and gastrin plasma levels in patients with prior cholecys tectomy and CCK receptor levels in patients with colorectal cancer. 12 5 patients entered a prospective study. Of these, 45 served as control s. 40 patients had prior cholecystectomy, 5 patients underwent cholecy stectomy during the ongoing trial. 35 patients had a colorectal cancer , 5 of these had prior cholecystectomy. No patient had elevated CCK-8 plasma levels. Gastrin levels were slightly elevated in 2 patients. Th ere was no correlation between large bowel carcinoma and CCK-8 and gas trin levels. Elevated CCK-8 levels following cholecystectomy occur nei ther immediately after surgery nor on a long-term basis. Immunohistoch emical studies in patients with colorectal cancer showed no CCK recept ors in the normal colonic or tumor tissue. These findings are contrary to gastrin receptor data.