AJP - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, Vol 248, Issue 3 281-G286, Copyright © 1985 by American Physiological Society
Gastrin-releasing peptide: effect on exocrine secretion and release from isolated perfused porcine pancreas
S. Knuhtsen, J. J. Holst, S. L. Jensen, U. Knigge and O. V. Nielsen
The effect of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) on pancreatic exocrine
secretion was studied by infusing it at four dose levels (0.01, 0.1, 1.0,
and 10 nmol/l) into the arterial line of the isolated perfused porcine
pancreas. At 1.0 nmol/l GRP stimulated protein (37-fold), fluid (13-fold),
and bicarbonate secretion (12-fold). Atropine at 1 mumol/l diminished the
protein secretion in response to infusion of GRP at a dose of 1 nmol/l to
45% of control. Fluid and bicarbonate responses were not affected by
atropine treatment. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves resulted in
an increase in pancreatic output of GRP and a concomitant stimulation of
exocrine secretion. Infusions of acetylcholine, carbachol, pilocarpine, or
dimethylphenylpiperazinium had no effect on the output of GRP, although
hexamethonium abolished the response to vagal stimulation. It is concluded
that GRP in conjunction with acetylcholine is likely to play a prominent
part in parasympathetic regulation of pancreatic exocrine secretion.
