PANCREATIC ENZYMES IN THORACIC DUCT LYMPH AFTER ETHANOL ADMINISTRATION

The effect of acute ethanol intake on pancreatic enzymes in the  thoracic  duct  lymph  and  blood  serum was studied in 9 male patients . Amylase and lipase lymph activities increased significantly, where­ as blood enzymes did not show significant changes. After drinking, alcohol concentration in the lymph was significantly higher than in the serum. It is sug­gested, that the lymphatic system  helps to protect the pancreas against acute damage due to alcohol.