Diagnosis of pancreas function with acylated anilinobutyric acids - to increase exocrinal enzyme prodn. in the pancreas and stomach

Diagnostic aid for examination of pancreas function contains an acylated anilinobutyric acid of formula (I) (R1-R5=H, 1-4C alkyl, alkoxy or alkylthio, halo or CF3; R3 may also be OH or PhCH2O; Y=is not >6C alkyl or cycloalkyl or is not >16C opt. substd. aryl; Z=H or the equiv. of a salt-forming cation). (I) are already known from US 3780095 as choleretic agents and have now been shown to increase the exocrinal enzyme secretion of the gastrointestinal tract, esp. the secretion of digestive enzymes by the pancreas and stomach. The dose is much less than that required for a choleretic effect and (I) can be administered to humans or animals.