Where is chymotrypsin produced? | Chymotrypsin – What is it for?

Where is chymotrypsin produced?

The formation of chymotrypsin occurs in the pancreas, the so-called exocrine part of the pancreas. There chymotrypsin is produced in an initially inactive precursor (zymogen). This zymogen form is also called chymotrypsinogen. When chymotrypsinogen reaches the small intestine, it is then split into three different parts by the pancreatic enzyme trypsin, which also produces the active chymotrypsin.

At what pH value does chymotrypsin work best?

Since chymotrypsin can only work properly as a digestive enzyme at a certain pH value, it is important that the pH values in the gastrointestinal section remain reasonably constant. Chymotrypsin is fully effective at a pH between 7 and 9, which is normally within the pH range of the entire small intestine.

How do you determine the chymotrypsin level?

A stool sample is required to determine the chymotrypsin level. In this sample the activity of chymotrypsin is determined by means of photometry. A special device that can measure certain wavelengths in the form of light absorption is used to check whether chymotrypsin is active in the stool sample and if so, to what extent.

This measuring method is also used in medicine for numerous other measurements. In a healthy person the activity measurement of chymotrypsin is more than 6 U/g (unit per gram of stool). If the value is between 3 and 6 U/g, this finding should be checked again soon. If the value is below 3 U/g, this is almost certainly an indication of pancreatic disease, which leads to a deficiency of chymotrypsin.

Chymotrypsin deficiency

If there is a deficiency of chymotrypsin, the proteins from the food consumed can only be split insufficiently and thus important nutrients can no longer be absorbed in sufficient concentration. As a result, the entire mucous membrane of the intestine is disrupted and bacterial colonisation, inflammation and a regression of the surface (atrophy of the villi of the small intestine) occurs. In addition, the lack of absorption leads to weight loss and deficiency symptoms, as important proteins from the food can no longer be split and brought into the circulation.

A deficiency of chymotrypsin can result from a so-called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This means that the part of the pancreas responsible for the production of digestive enzymes, including chymotrypsin, is damaged. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, in turn, can have various causes, such as cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallstones, excessive alcohol abuse or infections.

Other possible causes can be pancreatic tumours or various medications. However, if one of the above-mentioned diseases is suspected, other diagnostic measures should also be taken to clarify the situation. If there is a deficiency of chymotrypsin, this can be compensated by the administration of enzyme preparations.

These are enzyme supplements for the pancreas, i.e. a tablet containing several enzymes that are normally produced in the pancreas. However, this should only be done in close consultation with a doctor, as in the case of a chymotrypsin deficiency it is always necessary to treat the cause of this deficiency, i.e. exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The enzyme preparations must be taken with meals in order to be able to directly break down the food taken in.