Corticotropin-releasing factor inhibits gastric emptying in dogs: Studies on its mechanism of action

The effects of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) on gastric emptying of a saline solution was further investigated in six dogs prepared with gastric fistulas and chronic cerebroventricular guides and in four other dogs with chronic gastric fistulas and pancreatic (Herrera) cannulas. Intravenous infusion of CRF significantly inhibited gastric emptying whereas intracerebroventricular injection of CRF had no effect. Pharmacologic blockade of β-adrenergic system by propranolol did not modify intravenous CRF induced delay in gastric emptying. Intravenous CRF did not influence basal pancreatic secretion whereas secretin infused stimulated bicarbonate secretion. These results indicate that intravenous but not intracerebroventricular administration of CRF inhibited gastric emptying of a saline solution in dogs. The inhibitory effect of intravenous CRF on gastric emptying is not mediated by the β-adrenergic nervous system, and not secondary to the release of other peptides that affect both pancreatic secretion and gastric emptying such as cholecystokinin and peptide YY.