NBT-PABA test to assess efficiency and kinetics of substituted proteolytic enzyme action in pancreatic duct ligated minipigs

The NBT-PABA test is an established method for diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. In the present study the NBT-PABA test was used to test and compare the efficacy of two multienzyme preparations (product A and B) differing in galenic preparation in minipigs in which pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) was induced by pancreatic duct ligation. Without enzyme substitution no distinct increase in PABA was found in blood after oral administration of NBT-PABA. Administration of both enzyme preparations led to a clear dose dependent rise in PABA-concentrations in blood. Interestingly, the two preparations showed different time curves of serum PABA concentration, indicating differences in the kinetic of proteolytic enzyme action. It is concluded that the NBT-PABA test can be a very useful test for indirectly evaluating proteolytic enzyme efficacy in vivo, and also gives information about the kinetics of enzyme action, not only the end-result of enzyme action (like digestibility trials which were used traditionally). A single test is performed in a few hours and there is no need for fistulated animals.