Inhibitory effect of a cholecystokinin antagonist on the proliferative response of the pancreas to pancreatobiliary diversion

Article Abstract:

Bile from the liver and enzymes from the pancreas are both transported via the common bile duct to the small intestine, where they are integral in the digestion of foods, particularly fats. In experimental or therapeutic situations where the secretions from either one of these organs is diverted to a more distal region of the intestine, intestinal and pancreatic growth result. The pancreatic growth is thought to be stimulated by excessive release of the pancreatic hormone cholecystokinin. The increased growth of the pancreas and may presage future adverse occurrences such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and malignant pancreatic tumors. To determine the effects of a pharmacological antagonist of cholecystokinin (CCK) on pancreatic growth, a study was carried out with male rats that were subjected to either pancreaticobiliary diversion (PBD; accomplished by transplanting a section of the lower intestine to the area between the stomach and initial small intestine) or a sham operation. Half of the animals in each group were given a potent CCK antagonist (CR-1409). PBD resulted in a 91 and 137 percent increase in blood levels of CCK at 7 and 14 days, respectively, after the operation. The weight of the pancreas was significantly increased by PBD, and there were numerous biochemical and functional indices of cell proliferation (such as increased RNA content, incorporation of radioactive bromodeoxyuridine, and cell birth rate). Administration of CR-1409 completely abolished the increase in pancreatic weight and cell birth rate, while having no effect on blood levels of CCK. Hence, the effect of CR-1409 is likely due to its ability to block the CCK receptor. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Pancreas, cholecystokinin

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Caffeine, blood pressure, and serum lipids

Article Abstract:

Many people drink coffee on a daily basis. In recent years there have been many studies that have tried to determine whether drinking coffee is harmful to health. The concern has focused on the amount of caffeine consumed in the coffee, and some studies have attempted to link caffeine intake with heart disease. However, these studies have yielded conflicting results. A few studies have reported that caffeine causes blood pressure to increase and heart rate to decrease. Another study reported that blood pressure decreased when coffee drinkers stopped drinking coffee for a period of nine weeks. Also, some studies have reported that caffeine intake is associated with blood cholesterol levels, while other studies have reported no effect of caffeine on cholesterol levels. In an attempt to resolve this issue, the effect of caffeine on blood pressure and cholesterol levels was determined in 69 young, healthy adults who were habitual coffee drinkers. Half of the subjects were assigned to receive 4 to 6 cups (5 ounces each) of decaffeinated coffee and 75 milligrams of caffeine in pill form on a daily basis for 9 weeks. The other half of the subjects received the same amount of decaffeinated coffee and pills without caffeine. Other sources of caffeine were eliminated from the diet during the test period. The results of this study showed that abstinence from caffeine for nine weeks did not change blood pressure, heart rate or blood cholesterol levels. These findings suggest that caffeine does not appear to be associated with risk of heart disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Measurement, Coffee (Beverage), Caffeine, Coffee, Blood pressure, Blood cholesterol, Blood pressure measurement

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