Exocrine pancreas function in premature and full term neonates.

Abstract

Pancreatic response to pancreozymin and secretin stimulations has been studied in premature and full term neonates. The following results have been obtained. (7) At birth premature neonates have a fairly well developed exocrine pancreatic function which is, however, lower than that of full term neonates. (2) One week after birth, exocrine pancreatic activity becomes higher in premature than in full term neonates. (3) Early administration of small amounts of starch stimulates pancreatic a-amylase (EC. 3.3.1.1) production. (4) A high protein diet stimulates increased production of both trypsin (EC. 3.4.4.4) and lipase (EC. 3.1.1.3), whereas a high fat diet alone has no effect on lipase secretion.