The Glands of Brunner

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Abstract
The glands of Brunner secrete an alkaline fluid containing viscous mucin. In most species, secretion occurs spontaneously, and in all species it is augmented by neural and hormonal factors as well as by local stimulation. Neural regulation includes a parasympathetic cholinergic augmentary mechanism and a sympathetic, probably adrenergic, inhibitory effect. Feeding causes stimulation of secretion by a humoral mechanism, which is probably hormonal. The nature of the hormone is not known, although some evidence points to an association or identity with secretin. Indirect evidence indicates that motor activity of the duodenum stimulates secretion by causing the mucosal surfaces to rub together, and the response to cholinergic stimuli and to feeding may be partly or entirely due to this mechanism. Present knowledge indicates that the principal function of the juice secreted by Brunner s glands is to protect the mucosa of the 1st portion of the duodenum against damage by the acid chyme which it receives from the stomach.
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