Cholecystokinin in acute alcoholic and biliary pancreatitis

Background, Recent studies have shown that cholecystokinin (CCK) agonist, c erulein can induce acute pancreatitis in animals. The role of CCK in the in duction of acute pancreatitis in humans is unclear. We investigated plasma CCK levels in alcoholic and biliary pancreatitis on admission and during th e episode of acute pancreatitis. Methods, Plasma CCK concentrations were determined by a specific and sensit ive radioimmunoassay using CCK antiserum (Euro-Diagnostica, Malmo, Sweden) in 35 patients with acute alcoholic pancreatitis, in 27 patients with acute biliary pancreatitis, in 34 patients with nonpancreatic acute abdominal pa in, and in 43 healthy subjects. The mean time fi-om the first symptoms to t he plasma sample was 31 (+/- 3.7)h in alcoholic pancreatitis patients and 2 5 (+/- 5.1) h in biliary pancreatitis patients. We also determined CCK leve ls in 20 patients during the episode of acute pancreatitis. Normal fasting level of CCK is less than or equal to 1.12 pmol/L according to manufacturer . Results, Basal plasma CCK concentrations were significantly lower both in a lcoholic pancreatitis (mean +/- SEM, 0.04 +/- 0.03 pmol/L, p < 0.0001, and biliary pancreatitis patients (0.17 +/- 0.13 pmol/L, p < 0.0001) than in no npancreatic acute abdominal pain patients (1.23 +/- 0.32 pmol/L) or healthy subjects (1.18 +/- 0.20 pmol/L). Plasma CCK levels also remained low until the patient was well-recovering and had started oral diet. Conclusion. Basal plasma CCK concentrations are significantly decreased in acute alcoholic and biliary pancreatitis after the first day from the begin ning of the symptoms until the patient was well-recovering.