Lipolytic enzymes of the human pancreas

Abstract

In the oral exocrine pancreatic function test using fluorescein dilaurate, this synthetic substrate attaches primarily to the triglyceride surfaces of the neutral lipids administered as part of the breakfast: these fluorescein dilaurate molecules cannot be attacked by cholesterol esterase. In the course of triglyceride saponification by lipase and colipase, however, the fluorescein dilaurate is liberated and hydrolyzed by cholesterol esterase. The pancreatic function test, therefore, measures the lipolytic activities not merely of cholesterol esterase, but indirectly of lipase, as well.