Central noradrenergic inhibition of gastric mucosal blood flow and acid secretion in rats

To investigate the role of central noradrenaline (NA) in gastric functions, changes in mucosal blood flow (MBF) and acid secretion following electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) and the effects of NA on these parameters were examined in rats anesthetized with urethane. NA 10 μg/animal injected into the lateral ventricle decreased the basal value of both the gastric MBF and acid output, while the same dose of acetycholine or dopamine was without effect. Repetitive electrical stimulation of LHA at 10 cycles/sec, 0.5 mA, 2 msec for 10 min elicited a significant, reproducible increase in both gastric MBF and acid output. NA 10 μg/animal injected into the lateral ventricle completely blocked these increases induced by the electrical stimulation. These data suggest that a central noradrenergic inhibitory mechanism is involved in regulation of the gastric MBF and acid secretion.     

下丘脑外侧区注入胃泌素对大鼠胃酸分泌的影响

本工作观察了下丘脑外侧区(LHA)、腹内侧核(VMH)或侧脑室(LCV)注射17肽胃泌素(G17)或五肽胃泌素(G5)对清醒大鼠胃酸分泌的影响。结果表明,将 G17或 G5注入 LHA可引起胃酸分泌明显增加,而将 G5注入 VMH、LCV 或静脉则不影响胃酸分泌;切断迷走神经可以阻断在 LHA 注入 G5引起胃酸分泌增加的效应;在阿托品背景下,将 G5注入 LHA仍能引起胃酸分泌明显增加;静脉注射酚妥拉明,心得安或纳洛酮均不影响 G5对 LHA 刺激胃酸分泌的作用。这些结果提示:LHA 是胃泌素作用的一个特异性部位,由 LHA 发出的冲动可能通过迷走神经内的两种传出纤维引起胃酸分泌,一为胆碱能纤维,另一为非胆碱能非肾上腺素能纤维。     

Nesfatin-1及MCH对大鼠胃酸分泌和胃运动的影响

目的:本实验主要探究nesfatin-1对胃运动和胃酸分泌的影响,以及弓状核(ARC)-下丘脑外侧区(LHA)nesfatin-1神经通路在该过程中的作用。方法:采用逆行追踪和免疫组织化学染色实验观察ARC-LHA nesfatin-1神经通路的构成;在体胃运动实验观察nesfatin-1对胃运动的影响以电刺激ARC对胃运动的影响;采用幽门结扎法测量胃液和胃酸分泌量。结果:LHA微量注射nesfatin-1抑制胃运动和胃酸分泌,但是预先注射黑色素浓集激素(MCH)受体拮抗剂PMC-3881-PI减弱nesfatin-1对胃运动和胃酸分泌的抑制作用。电刺激ARC后,胃收缩幅度和频率显著增强,胃酸分泌明显增多。nesfatin-1抗体或PMC-3881-PI对电刺激ARC诱导的胃运动没有显著影响,但是能够改变电刺激ARC诱导的胃酸分泌。结论:ARC-LHA间nesfafin-1通路可调控大鼠胃运动和胃酸分泌,并且黑色素浓集激素也参与调节该过程。     

Muscarinic receptor subtypes mediate stimulatory and paradoxical inhibitory effects on an insulin-secreting beta cell line

Acetylcholine (ACh), a major neurotransmitter from the autonomic nervous system, regulates the cholinergic stimulation of insulin secretion, through interactions with muscarinic receptors. The present study has characterised the individual involvement of muscarinic receptor subtypes in ACh-induced insulin secretion, using clonal beta cells and selective muscarinic receptor antagonists. BRIN BD11 cells clearly expressed mRNA encoding m1--m4 whereas m5 was not detected by RT-PCR. Insulin release was measured from BRIN BD11 cells treated with ACh in the presence of muscarinic receptor antagonists at concentrations ranging from 3 nM to 1 microM. 300 nM of muscarinic toxin-3 (M4 antagonist) and 1 microM of methoctramine (M2 antagonist) increased ACh (100 microM) stimulated insulin secretion by 168% and 50% respectively (ANOVA, P<0.05). The antagonists alone had no effect on insulin secretion. In contrast, 300 nM of pirenzepine (M1 antagonist) and 30 nM of hexahydro-sila-difenidol p-fluorohydrochloride (M3 antagonist) inhibited ACh stimulation by 91% and 84% respectively (ANOVA, P<0.01). It is concluded that ACh acts on different receptor subtypes producing both a stimulatory and an inhibitory action on insulin release.     

Effect of hypophysectomy, adrenalectomy, pituitary hormone secretion and gastric acid secretion on neurotensin induced gastric protection against stress gastric lesions

In previous studies we have established that intracisternal (i.c.) but not peripheral (intravenous) administration of neurotensin (NT), a brain and gastrointestinal tridecapeptide, totally prevents the development of gastric lesions produced by cold-restraint stress (CRS) with food-deprived rats. In this investigation, removal of the pituitary and adrenal gland, anterior pituitary hormone secretion and gastric acid secretion were evaluated independently as potential intermediates for NT's protective effect. NT (30 micrograms) produced a significant reduction of gastric lesions incidence and severity in intact and sham-operated controls. Adrenalectomy, but not hypophysectomy totally blocked the protective effect of i.c. NT. In addition, replacement therapy with s.c. prednisone (1 mg/kg) for 5 days following adrenalectomy did not restore the protective activity of central (i.c.) NT in adrenalectomized rats. A significant reduction of serum levels of TSH, PRL and GH following i.c. NT (30 micrograms) was observed after 2h of CRS. The gastrosecretory studies revealed that i.c. NT (30 micrograms) did not affect gastric acid secretion in pylorus ligated rats. However, blockade of peripheral (gut) cholinergic (muscarinic) receptors with i.p. atropine methylbromide (1 mg/kg) significantly raised gastric pH and reduced gastric acid concentration and output. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the acute protective effect of brain NT appears to be mediated, at least in part, by the sympathoadrenomedullary axis, and not by the pituitary gland or substances derived from the pituitary or by inhibition of gastric acid secretion.     

Muscarinic receptor subtypes mediate stimulatory and paradoxical inhibitory effects on an insulin-secreting β cell line

Acetylcholine (ACh), a major neurotransmitter from the autonomic nervous system, regulates the cholinergic stimulation of insulin secretion, through interactions with muscarinic receptors. The present study has characterised the individual involvement of muscarinic receptor subtypes in ACh-induced insulin secretion, using clonal β cells and selective muscarinic receptor antagonists. BRIN BD11 cells clearly expressed mRNA encoding m1–m4 whereas m5 was not detected by RT-PCR. Insulin release was measured from BRIN BD11 cells treated with ACh in the presence of muscarinic receptor antagonists at concentrations ranging from 3 nM to 1 μM. 300 nM of muscarinic toxin-3 (M4 antagonist) and 1 μM of methoctramine (M2 antagonist) increased ACh (100 μM) stimulated insulin secretion by 168% and 50% respectively (ANOVA, P<0.05). The antagonists alone had no effect on insulin secretion. In contrast, 300 nM of pirenzepine (M1 antagonist) and 30 nM of hexahydro-sila-difenidol p-fluorohydrochloride (M3 antagonist) inhibited ACh stimulation by 91% and 84% respectively (ANOVA, P<0.01). It is concluded that ACh acts on different receptor subtypes producing both a stimulatory and an inhibitory action on insulin release.     

Role of acetylcholine, histamine and gastrin in the acid response to intracisternal injection of TRH analog, RX 77368, in the rat

The role of gastrin, acetylcholine and histamine in the acid response to central vagal activation induced by intracisternal injection of the stable analog, RX 77368, was further investigated in urethane-anesthetized rats with gastric fistula. The gastrin monoclonal antibody 28-2 injected intravenously, at a dose previously shown to prevent gastrin-induced stimulation of acid secretion, did not alter the peak acid response to intracisternal injection of RX 77368 (15 ng). The TRH analog (30 ng) injected into the cisterna magna increased levels of histamine measured in the hepatic portal blood. Cimetidine administered at a dose which completely blocked the stimulation of gastric acid secretion produced by intravenous infusion of histamine, inhibited by 62% the stimulatory effect of intracisternal RX 77368 (30 ng). The M1 muscarinic antagonist, pirenzepine, completely prevented the acid secretion induced by intracisternal RX 77368 (30 ng). These results indicate that the acid response to central vagal activation by the TRH analog in rats involved M1 muscarinic receptors along with histamine release acting on H2 histaminergic receptors whereas gastrin does not appear to play an important role.     

川木香对实验性胃溃疡形成的抑制作用研究

目的:研究川木香对实验性胃溃疡形成的抑制作用.方法:采用利血平型小鼠胃溃疡模型、醋酸型大鼠胃溃疡模型,以雷尼替丁为对照药物,观察动物溃疡指数和溃疡抑制率.结果:川木香单体提取物(去氢木香内酯)、醋酸乙酯提取物、乙醇提取物,抑制利血平型溃疡存在统计学差异(与模型对照组比较,P＜0.01);醋酸乙酯提取物,抑制醋酸型溃疡存在统计学差异(与模型对照组比较,P＜0.05),其中高剂量组作用存在统计学差异(与模型对照组比较,P＜0.01).结论:川木香具有抑制实验性胃溃疡的形成作用,醋酸乙酯提取物可以作为川木香抑制胃溃疡形成的有效部位.     

Clonidine Prevents Transient Loss of Noradrenaline in Response to Cholinergic Hypofunction Induced by Ethylcholine Aziridinium (AF64A)

Intracerebroventricular injection of ethylcholine aziridinium (AF64A) (2 nmol/ventricle) induced a considerable decrease in the level of acetylcholine (ACh) in hippocampus (from 21.14 +/- 0.84 to 10.04 +/- 0.59 pmol/mg of tissue; p less than 0.001) 4 days after application. The reduction of cholinergic function was accompanied by a decrease in the level of noradrenaline (NA) (from 1.96 +/- 0.08 to 1.41 +/- 0.06 pmol/mg of tissue; p less than 0.001). Two days after administration of AF64A (1 or 2 nmol/ventricle), the dose-dependent decrease in NA level was associated with an increase in the level of its major metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), resulting in a considerable increase in the MHPG/NA molar ratio (from 0.84 +/- 0.06 to 1.62 +/- 0.17; p less than 0.002). Chronic treatment of AF64A-injected rats with clonidine (0.02-0.2 mg/kg, i.p., every 8-12 h) had no significant effect on the loss of ACh content, whereas the decrease in NA content in hippocampus was completely prevented. Clonidine induced aggressive behavior in the AF64A-treated rats, in contrast to sedation in vehicle-injected rats. The response to clonidine under these experimental conditions and the increased MHPG/NA molar ratio in response to AF64A suggest that the transient loss of NA content following AF64A administration results from increased NA release. The increased noradrenergic activity in hippocampus may be linked to the reduction of tonic inhibitory cholinergic input. These results are discussed in relation to possible implications for senile dementia of the Alzheimer type.     

电刺激下丘脑外侧区对大鼠胃缺血-再灌注损伤的影响

采用夹闭大鼠腹腔动脉30min,松开动脉夹血流复灌60min的胃缺血－再灌注损伤(gastric ischemia reperfusion injury,GI-RI)模型,用电和化学刺激,电损毁的方法观察了下丘脑外侧区（lateral hypothalamic area,LHA)对GI－RI的影响,并对其机制进行了初步分析,结果表明：（1）以0．2,0．4,0．6mA的电流强度刺激LHA,GI－RI均显著加重,且有强度－效应依赖关系,LHA内注射L－谷氨酸（L－Glu)后,对LI－RI的效应与电刺激相似,电损毁双侧LHA,GI－RI面积较电刺激组明显减小;（2）损毁双侧背侧迷走复合体（dorsal vagal complex,DVC)或切损毁是LHA,GI－RI面积较电刺激组明显减小;（2）损 侧背侧迷走复合体（dorsal vagal complex,DVC)或切断膈下迷走神经均能取消电刺激LHA加重GI－RI的作用。（3）电刺激LHA使缺血－再灌注（ischemia-reperfusion,I-R)的胃粘膜丙二醛（MDA）含量升高,超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性降低;（4）电刺激LHA使I－R的胃液量和总酸排出量增多,而酸度,胃蛋白酶活性和胃壁结合粘液量等无明显改变,结果提示;LHA是对GI－RI具有加重作用的中枢部位,其作用是通过DVC及迷走神经下传的,电刺激LHA加重GI－RI的作用与胃粘膜MDA含量增加,SOD活性降低,胃液量和总酸排出量增加等因素有关,而似与酸度,胃蛋白酶活性,胃壁结合粘液量等因素无关。     

Effect of Intragastric Administration of Crude Aqueous Leaf Extract Of Anacardium occidentale on Gastric Acid Secretion in Rats

The effect of an aqueous leaf extract ofAnacardium occidentale on gastric acid secretion was tested in rats. Twenty (20) Wistar albino rats were used for the gastric acid assay experiment. The rats were divided into 2 groups of 10 each. Gastric acid output was determined by continuous perfusion of rat stomach in urethane anesthetized rats. Control gastric acid output was obtained using 0.9% sodium chloride as perfusate and extract induced gastric acid output was obtained by perfusion with 0.1% solution of Anacardium occidentale Intragastric administration of the extract caused significant increase in mean gastric output (P <0.05). Atropine (5μg/100g,) lM and Cimetidine (5mg/100g), IM. significantly inhibited the extract induced gastric acid secretion via muscarinic and histaminic receptors respectively. Our findings showed that the use of the plant extract as a single anti-gastric ulcer therapy may not involve lowering of acid secretions rather it may be due to its anti Helicobacter pylori effect.     

Effects of Nucleus Basalis Lesions on the Muscarinic and Nicotinic Modulation of [3H] Acetylcholine Release in the Rat Cerebral Cortex

Presynaptic muscarinic and nicotinic receptors in the cerebral cortex reportedly inhibit and increase acetylcholine (ACh) release, respectively. In this study, we investigated whether these receptors reside on cholinergic nerve terminals projecting to the cerebral cortex from the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (nbm). Adult male rats received unilateral infusions of ibotenic acid (5 micrograms/1 microliter) in the nbm. Two weeks later, cerebral cortical cholinergic markers (choline acetyltransferase activity, high-affinity choline uptake, and coupled ACh synthesis) were significantly reduced in synaptosomes prepared from the lesioned hemispheres compared to contralateral controls. The depolarization-induced release of [3H]ACh from these synaptosomes was also reduced in the lesioned hemispheres, reflecting the reduced synthesis of transmitter. However, the nbm lesions had no effect on the inhibition of release induced by 100 microM oxotremorine. Synaptosomal [3H]ACh release was not altered by nicotine or the nicotinic agonists anabaseine and 2-(3-pyridyl)-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine. Nicotine (10-100 microM) did increase [3H]ACh release in control and lesioned hemispheres in cortical minces, but to a similar extent. These results suggest that neither muscarinic nor nicotinic receptors modulating ACh release reside on nbm-cholinergic terminals.     

乙酰胆碱对大鼠体外抗体生成的影响

目的：观察不同浓度乙酰胆碱（ＡＣｈ,１０－１０～１０－５ｍｏｌ／Ｌ）对大鼠体外抗体生成的影响,并初步探讨其作用机制,从细胞水平了解乙酰胆碱与免疫功能之间的关系。方法：用体外抗体生成的检测方法,用绵羊红细胞（ＳＲＢＣ）刺激大鼠肠系膜淋巴结Ｂ细胞转化成抗体形成细胞（ＡＦＣ）,然后检测其抗体生成量。结果：①１０－１０～１０－７ｍｏｌ／ＬＡＣｈ能显著抑制体外抗体生成,其中１０－８和１０－７ｍｏｌ／ＬＡＣｈ的作用较强,而１０－６和１０－５ｍｏｌ／ＬＡＣｈ无明显的抑制作用;②Ｍ型胆碱能受体激动剂毛果芸香碱（１０－８和１０－７ｍｏｌ／Ｌ）能明显减弱体外抗体生成,而Ｎ型受体激动剂烟碱（１０－８和１０－７ｍｏｌ／Ｌ）没有显著的减弱作用,Ｍ型受体拮抗剂阿托品（１０－７和１０－６ｍｏｌ／Ｌ）可完全阻断ＡＣｈ抑制体外抗体生成的作用;③ＡＣｈ分别在Ｂ细胞用ＳＲＢＣ刺激后３～４８ｈ中的６个不同时间与淋巴细胞作用,其抗体生成仍然是减少的。结论：ＡＣｈ可非浓度依赖性地抑制大鼠的体外抗体生成;此作用可能由Ｂ细胞上的Ｍ型胆碱能受体介导;且ＡＣｈ可能主要影响Ｂ细胞转化的后期过程。     

Calcitonin gene-related peptide acts within the central nervous system to inhibit gastric acid secretion

The central nervous system effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on gastric acid secretion was studied in conscious freely moving rats. CGRP (220 fmol to 2.2 nmol) injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle or intravenously inhibited gastric acid secretion. Intravenous passive immunization with CGRP antiserum prevented the inhibitory effect of CGRP following intravenous but not intracerebroventricular administration. Adrenalectomy and noradrenergic blockade with bretylium tosylate did not significantly alter the inhibitory action of CGRP given intracerebroventricularly on gastric secretion. These studies indicate that CGRP acts within the central nervous system to potently decrease gastric acid secretion by mechanism(s) not dependent on intact sympathetic nervous function.     

Distribution of neurotransmitters and their effects on glucagon secretion from the in vitro normal and diabetic pancreatic tissues

The distribution of adrenergic, cholinergic and amino acid neurotransmitters and/or their enzymes were examined in both the normal and diabetic pancreatic tissues in rat using immunohistochemistry to determine whether changes in the pattern of distribution of nerves containing these neurotransmitters will occur as a result of diabetes mellitus. In addition to this, the effect of noradrenaline (NA), adrenaline (ADR), acetylcholine (ACh) and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) on glucagon secretion from the isolated normal and diabetic pancreatic tissues was also investigated. Pancreatic fragments from the tail end of normal and diabetic rats were removed and incubated with different concentrations (10(-8)-10(-4) M) of these neurotransmitters. Glucagon secretion into the supernatant was later determined by radioimmunoassay. NA at 10(-6) M evoked a three-fold increase in glucagon secretion from normal pancreatic tissue fragments. In diabetic pancreatic tissue, NA at 10(-6) M was able to increase glucagon secretion 1.5 times the value obtained from diabetic basal. ADR (10(-8) M) increased glucagon secretion slightly but not significantly in normal pancreatic tissue. ADR inhibited glucagon secretion from diabetic pancreas at all concentrations. ACh (10(-8) M) induced a five-fold increase in glucagon secretion from normal pancreatic tissue. In a similar way, ACh evoked a two-fold increase in glucagon secretion from diabetic pancreas at 10(-4) M. In normal pancreatic tissue, GABA produced a slight but not significant increase in glucagon secretion at 10(-4) M. In contrast to this it inhibited glucagon secretion from diabetic pancreatic tissue fragments at all concentrations. In summary, tyrosine hydroxylase- and choline acetyltransferase-positive nerves are equally well distributed in both normal and diabetic rat pancreas. There was an increase in the number of glucagon positive cells and a decrease in the number of GABA-positive cells in diabetic pancreas. NA and ACh have a potent stimulatory effect on glucagon secretion from normal pancreatic tissue fragments, whereas ADR and GABA produced a small but not significant increase in glucagon secretion from normal pancreas. NA and GABA stimulated glucagon secretion from diabetic pancreas. In contrast, ADR and ACh inhibited glucagon secretion from diabetic pancreas. Neurotransmitters vary in their ability to provoke glucagon secretion from either normal or diabetic pancreas.     

Central regulation of gastric acetylcholine metabolism and acid output: Analysis using stress and 2-deoxy-d-glucose administration in rats

The stress of immobilization in water caused a significant increase in the activity of choline acetyltransferase (CAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acetylcholine (ACh) content in the stomach and gastric acid secretion, but a decrease of choline content in rats. The increase in CAT activity began 1 h after the application of stress, peaked in 3 h and gradually decreased to normal within 7 h. Similar alterations in gastric acid secretion were observed. The ACh content in stomach tissue increased 30 min after the application of stress and remained elevated for 2.5 h. The content decreased to control levels after 5 h, and significantly increased again after 7 h. The choline content in stomach tissue significantly decreased 1 and 2 h after stress but returned to normal 3 h after the application. An increase in AChE activity was observed 2 and 7 h after the application of stress but normal levels were found after 4 h. Increases in CAT activity and acid output were also observed following administration of 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG), but no changes in ACh and choline contents or AChE activity were observed. The increases in CAT activity and the acid secretion caused by stress and 2-DG administration were blocked by administration of hexamethonium. These results suggest that increases in gastric CAT, AChE activities and ACh content and a decrease of choline content in the early stages are results of increased vagus nerve activity, which influences gastric acid secretion. Furthermore, they suggest that alterations in ACh content and AChE activity at a later stage are less directly related to the increase in vagus nerve activity.     

Effect of 2-deoxy- -glucose on acetylcholine and histamine levels in gastric juice of pylorus-ligated rats anesthetized with urethane

Acetylcholine (ACh) in gastric juice was detected and measured by pretreatment of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, 1 mM eserine (1 ml/rat, p.o.), in pylorus-ligated rats, by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. In order to elucidate whether or not the ACh level in gastric juice reflects the activity of cholinergic neurons, the effect of 2-deoxy- -glucose (2-DG), a vagus stimulant, on the levels of ACh, histamine and gastric acid in gastric juice was investigated in pylorus-ligated rats anesthetized with urethane (1.25 g/kg, i.p.). Under the non-anesthetic condition, ACh, histamine and gastric acid levels were 100±25 pmol/h, 120±10 ng/h, and 240±32 μequiv./h, respectively. These levels were completely inhibited by urethane anesthesia. Under the anesthetized condition, 2-DG (50–200 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly increased ACh and histamine levels in gastric juice, as well as acid secretion. The 2-DG (200 mg/kg, i.v.)-induced increases in these levels were completely inhibited by vagotomy. These results suggest that ACh level measured in gastric juice reflects the activity of cholinergic transmission. Furthermore, these results also support the conclusion that vagus stimulation facilitates not only cholinergic transmission but also histaminergic transmission related to gastric acid secretion.     

Inhibition of gastric and pancreatic secretions by cerebroventricular injections of gastrin-releasing peptide and bombesin in rats

It has been suggested that mammalian gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and bombesin (BBS) might inhibit gastric secretion by a central nervous system action. The present investigations were intended to define the gastric effect and to look for an effect on the exocrine pancreas. Wistar male rats were provided with a chronic cannula allowing cerebroventricular injections in the 3rd ventricle, and with chronic gastric and/or pancreatic fistulas allowing the collection of gastric and/or pancreatic secretions in conscious animals. Both basal secretions were studied. Gastric secretion was stimulated with a 75 mg/kg s.c. injection of 2-deoxyglucose (2-dGlc). The dose range of bombesin was 0.01–1 μg (6–600 pmol) and GRP was 0.01–10 μg/rat (3.5 pmol to 3.5 nmol). A significant dose related decrease of basal gastric secretion was observed with the two peptides. The gastric acid response to 2-dGlc was inhibited by both peptides in a dose-related fashion and the reduction of gastric acid output mainly resulted from a decrease in the volume of gastric juice. The exocrine pancreatic secretion was also decreased by 30–55% after GRP but the BBS inhibitory effect was poorly dose-related. No significant difference was found after removal of gastric secretion, indicating that most of the pancreatic inhibition was independent of gastric secretion.     

Cholinergically stimulated gastric acid secretion is mediated by M(3) and M(5) but not M(1) muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in mice

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors play an important role in the regulation of gastric acid secretion stimulated by acetylcholine; nonetheless, the precise role of each receptor subtype (M(1)-M(5)) remains unclear. This study examined the involvement of M(1), M(3), and M(5) receptors in cholinergic regulation of acid secretion using muscarinic receptor knockout (KO) mice. Gastric acid secretion was measured in both mice subjected to acute gastric fistula production under urethane anesthesia and conscious mice that had previously undergone pylorus ligation. M(3) KO mice exhibited impaired gastric acid secretion in response to carbachol. Unexpectedly, M(1) KO mice exhibited normal intragastric pH, serum gastrin and mucosal histamine levels, and gastric acid secretion stimulated by carbachol, histamine, and gastrin. Pirenzepine, known as an M(1)-receptor antagonist, inhibited carbachol-stimulated gastric acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner in M(1) KO mice as well as in wild-type (WT) mice, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of pirenzepine on gastric acid secretion is independent of M(1)-receptor antagonism. Notably, M(5) KO mice exhibited both significantly lower carbachol-stimulated gastric acid secretion and histamine-secretory responses to carbachol compared with WT mice. RT-PCR analysis revealed M(5)-mRNA expression in the stomach, but not in either the fundic or antral mucosa. Consequently, cholinergic stimulation of gastric acid secretion is clearly mediated by M(3) (on parietal cells) and M(5) receptors (conceivably in the submucosal plexus), but not M(1) receptors.     

Inhibitory action of galanin on gastric acid secretion in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats

The effects of galanin and two galanin fragments, GAL(9-29) and GAL(15-29), were studied for potential effects on pentagastrin- and bethanechol-stimulated gastric acid secretion in a pentobarbital-anesthetized rat experimental model. At a dose of 10 micrograms/kg/h, galanin potently inhibited pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion whereas inhibition of bethanechol-stimulated gastric acid secretion was not statistically significant. Simultaneous iv infusion of galanin and atropine did not affect the inhibitory action of the former. In similar experiments, a GAL(15-29) fragment was completely inactive whilst GAL(9-29) retained only about 5% potency. These results indicate that galanin probably induces its inhibitory effects by acting directly on the parietal cells rather than through a cholinergic pathway. They also demonstrate that the rat gastric acid inhibitory activity of galanin depends critically on the integrity of the first fourteen N-terminal amino acids.