POSTOPERATIVE CHANGES IN TRYPSIN INHIBITOR ACTIVITIES OF HUMAN PANCREATIC JUICE AND INFLUENCE OF INFUSION OF TRASYLOL ON INHIBITOR ACTIVITY

The pancreatic trypsin inhibitor activity in juice obtained from the pancreatic duct by a transduodenal drain after operations on the pancreas and its sphincter mechanisms has been studied in the early postoperative stage. Using a pH stat technic with BAEE as the specific enzyme substrate, it was possible to significantly lower the inhibitor activity on the first postoperative day in nine patients who were also able to regain a normal level by the fourth postoperative day. It is considered that this finding may be significant in the etiology of postoperative pancreatitis and it is believed that the fall may be explained as a metabolic response to surgical trauma. Trasylol, a protease inhibitor, has been infused in the postoperative period with a resulting significant rise in the inhibitory effect of the pancreatic juice. In one patient this rise was accompanied by a marked clinical improvement and clearing of the previously blood-stained pancreatic juice. © 1968.