Little is known about the cellular mechanisms responsible for the trophic effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) and secretin on the rat pancreas, and controversy exists with regard to the interaction between these two peptides. In the present study attempts were made to elucidate the time course of events leading to pancreatic growth and to clarify the interaction between the peptides when given as continuous, long-term intravenous infusions to rats. A cholecystokinin-like peptide (CCK-LP) and secretin were given as a continuous intravenous infusion to conscious and unrestrained animals with free access to food and water for 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 96 h. The pancreas was quickly removed and analyzed for variables indicating synthesis and accumulation of DNA, RNA, and polyamines. CCK-LP increased the activity of RNA polymerase already after 1 h, whereas an increase in the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and the level of putrescine was seen at 4 h. Spermidine was increased after 12 h. The activities of DNA polymerase and thymidine kinase were increased at 12 and 24 h, respectively, whereas the total contents of DNA and RNA were first increased at 48 h. Secretin alone showed a marked but short-lived effect on polyamine synthesis and a weak effect on the variables indicating protein synthesis and growth. When the two peptides were given together, a large but transient potentiation of ODC activity was observed, whereas no interaction was seen on polyamines, RNA synthesis, or pancreatic growth. The present study confirms the trophic effects of CCK and secretin on the rat pancreas but fails to confirm an interaction between the two peptides on growth. Both peptides stimulate polyamine synthesis, and ODC appears to be an early and sensitive indication of their trophic effect. The initiation of RNA synthesis appears to be independent of the ODC activity.