ACTION OF CATECHOLAMINES ON EXOCRINE PANCREATIC-SECRETION OF CONSCIOUS RATS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 243  (1) , 149-163
Abstract
The effect of 4 different catecholamines (adrenaline [epinephrine, A] noradrenaline [norepinephrine, NA], isoprenaline and dopamine [DA]) were tested on the exocrine pancreatic secretion of conscious rats equipped with a pancreatic and biliary fistula, bile being continuously recirculated into the duodenum. Contrary to what was observed in the anesthetized animal 4 catecholamines did not have stimulatory effect on volume. High bolus doses of A (440 .mu.g/kg) or NA (80 .mu.g/kg) or DA (10 mg/kg) inhibited volume and protein secretion probably by inducing strong vasoconstriction and anoxia. The infusion of high doses of DA (2.5 mg/kg per h) induced a significant inhibition of volume and protein output. This inhibitory effect was not modified by propranolol or by haloperidol proving that it was a non specific effect secondary to the increase of vascular resistence. Isoprenaline injected (125, 250 and 500 .mu.g/kg) or infused (25 .mu.g/kg per h) induced an inhibition which was blocked by propranolol. In conscious rats, circulating catecholamines have probably a limited role in the control of pancreatic secretion but they could have some inhibitory action on protein secretion. Isoprenaline inhibits protein secretion probably by acting on a .beta. receptor mechanism. The pancreas of the rat does not seem to have stimulatory DA receptors.

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