Neurotensin interacts with carbachol, secretin, and caerulein in the stimulation of the exocrine pancreas of the rat in vitro

In the present investigation the effect of neurotensin on pancreatic secretion of isolated pancreatic lobules from the rat was examined. We found a dose- and time-dependent stimulation of amylase release beginning with a concentration of 10(-9) M neurotensin. This response was potentiated by the cholinergic agonist carbachol, the gastrointestinal peptide secretin, and the CCK analogue caerulein. As we found neurotensin-immunoreactive nerves within the pancreas and as neurotensin-like immunoreactivity is present in the circulation (found previously), neurotensin may well be a further peptide taking part in the regulation of exocrine pancreatic secretion either as a hormone or a neurotransmitter. Neurotensin would then cooperate with cholinergic mechanisms, secretin, and CCK.