Effect of ACTH and Adrenocortical Steroids on External Pancreatic Secretion in Man

Abstract

A RELATION between pituitary-adrenal activity and the functional integrity of the exocrine pancreatic parenchyma has been suggested by a number of experimental studies^{1 2 3 4} and by clinical observations of benefit derived from the administration of ACTH and adrenocortical steroids in the therapy of pancreatic inflammation.^{5 6 7} The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of intravenously administered ACTH and the adrenal steroids upon the external pancreatic secretion in man.MethodFifty-nine patients in all were studied. Of these, there were 28 patients without signs or symptoms of pancreatic disease and 31 patients with proved pancreatic inflammatory disease. All patients were examined . . .