Supramaximal concentrations of cholecystokinin or its analogue caerulein have been shown
to stimulate the proteolytic activation of zymogens within the pancreatic acinar cell and
initiate acute pancreatitis. Previous studies suggest that a low pH compartment might be
required for activation. To test this hypothesis, the effects of agents that modulate
intracellular pH on caerulein-induced trypsin and chymotrypsin activation were studied.
Pretreatment of pancreatic acini with the proto-ionophore monensin (10 μm) and the weak …