Reflex Adrenergic Gastrin Release Evoked by Unloading of Carotid Baroreceptors in Cats

Abstract

Gastric acid and pepsin output in response to 0.10 and 6.0 μg · kg⁻¹h⁻¹ of pentagastrin response to complete elimination of the carotid baroreceptor discharge by cutting the bilateral sinus nerves. Such unloading of the baroreceptors simulates a blood pressure drop to 50–60 mmHg, resulting in a pronounced reflex increase in the activity of the sympatho-adrenal system. Cutting the sinus nerves caused an increased level of immunoreactive gastrin in the portal plasma, and this elevated gastrin concentration was virtually extinguished by bilateral adrenalectomy. We conclude that the carotid baroreceptors can influence the gastrin release by a reflex adjustment of the release of adrenal catecholamines.

Key-words:

• Baroreceptors
• gastrin
• sympatho-adrenal system