Absorption of exogenous and endogenousproteolytic enzymes

A method is described for estimating chymotrypsin and trypsin in circulating blood. Parenterally or orally administered chymotrypsin and trypsin resulted in speci[ic esterase activity changes in blood. This indicates absorption of the enzymes administered rather than release of secondary enzymes from the intestinal tract. Stimulation of pancreatic secretion did not cause demonstrable increases in blood esterase levels. Thus, the method described oes not seem to be useful as a pancreatic function test.