This invention relates to methods for maintaining the basal level or reducing the level of cholecystokinin (CCK) in blood plasma of a mammal. Additionally, the invention provides methods for treating pain in a mammal and more particularly, methods for treating abdominal pain in a mammal. The methods include administering to the mammal a non-pancreatic protease or a composition comprising a non-pancreatic protease. The methods of this invention are particularly useful for treating abdominal pain in a mammal suffering from acute or chronic pancreatitis and related conditions.