Effect of Pancreozymin on Rat Pancreatic Enzyme Biosynthesis

Pancreatic enzyme secretion in rats anesthesized by pentobarbital was stimulated by intravenous perfusion of the hormone pancreozymin, as indicated by a decreased amylase level in the pancreas and by specific, fine structural changes observed in an electron microscope. Rates of protein synthesis were determined by pulse labeling. Amylase, total protein, and valine were purified from pancreas and counted. Pancreozymin promotes an 8 to 10 times increase in the rate of biosynthesis of pancreatic enzymes, as compared to rats similarly anesthesized but without hormone. This stimulation effect is obtained very rapidly (2 hr) and is not inhibited by actinomycin D. Secretin alone has no effect, whereas pentobarbital is inhibitory.