Cholinergic mechanisms involved in the effect of intraduodenal ethanol on exocrine pancreatic secretion

The effect of intraduodenal ethanol on exocrine pancreas of the rat in basal conditions has been studied. The pancreatic flow rate significantly increased to a maximum of 148% of basal after intraduodenal ethanol whereas only slight increases of protein output were observed. Ethanol perfusion in previously atropinized animals also elicited a significant increase of the flow rate up to a maximum of 177% of basal values but this increase appeared later than that observed in non-atropinized animals. Our results show that the ethanol action is successively stimulant followed by a simultaneously dual and antagonic effect (stimulant and inhibitory). Furthermore, this ethanol effect is mediated by cholinergic mechanisms. Finally, no effect of ethanol on portal plasma secretin and VIP levels was observed in atropinized or non-atropinized animals.