Failure of Trasylol to reduce intestinal content of trypsin and chymotrypsin in man

Abstract

SUMMARY The daily output of trypsin and chymotrypsin was measured in the stools of four patients with an established ileostomy under controlled dietary and metabolic conditions for a control period of four days. Trasylol, given intravenously in a dose of 500,000 units over eight hours, failed to affect the output of enzymes over the next two days, or to alter the distribution of bound and soluble enzymes.About 10 years ago, a polypeptide obtained from beef parotid glands ('Trasylol', FBA Pharmaceuticals Ltd), was introduced for the treatment of acute pancreatitis. Its use was based upon its ability to inhibit pancreatic proteolytic enzymes and kinins said to be released during the course of the disease. Although some recent reports indicate that the drug may be of benefit (Hansson and Lenninger, 1967;Kneisel, 1968;Nodine and Greberman, 1968) these trials do not conform to double-blind criteria. Those that do are almost uniform in concluding that Trasylol is without proven effect in the treatment or prophylaxis of acute pancreatitis (Nardi, 1963;Skyring, Singer, and Tornya, 1965;Trapnell, Talbot, and Capper, 1967;Baden, Jordal, Lund, and Zachariae, 1967;Skinner, Corson, and Nardi, 1968;Howat, 1969). Bachrach and Schild (1968) found the drug statistically superior to a placebo but doubted its practical value. Although several reports indicate that the drug protects animals during experimental pancreatitis (McCutcheon and Race,