Uremic pancreopathy: impaired secretory function in vitro.

Abnormalities of the exocrine pancreas have long been described in uremia. The present study was performed to determine whether these abnormalities occur as a result of derangements in protein synthesis or disturbances in protein secretion. Pancreatic acini obtained from rats with renal failure and their pair-fed shams were studied in vitro by the method of radiolabeled leucine incorporation and secretory response to carbachol. In vitro protein synthesis, as reflected in radiolabeled leucine incorporation per DNA content was increased in uremic acini compared with control. However, the secretory response to carbachol was impaired. These results suggest that the impairment in exocrine pancreatic function is likely due to abnormalities in protein secretion, rather than protein synthesis.