Vagal influence on gastroduodenal HCO3- secretion in the cat in vivo

Gastric and duodenal secretions of HCO3- were studied simultaneously in chloralose-anesthetized cats. The adrenals were ligated, and the cervical vagal as well as the abdominal splanchnic nerves were cut. Gastric secretions of H+ and HCO3- were calculated from measurements of the pH and PCO2 in the luminal perfusate. A duodenal segment devoid of Brunner's glands and pancreaticobilary secretions was cannulated in situ and the alkaline secretion determined by continuous titration at luminal pH 7.4. Electrical stimulation in the distal direction for 10-15 min of the cervical vagal nerves resulted in a 6- to 10-fold increase in gastric H+ and in a 20-60% rise in gastric HCO-3 secretion. Duodenal HCO3- secretion increased by 65-155%. Gastric basal secretions of H+ and HCO3- were not affected by atropine or hexamethonium, but both agents inhibited basal duodenal HCO3- secretion. Hexamethonium abolished and atropine reduced the rise in all secretions in response to vagal nerve stimulation. Thus gastroduodenal mucosal HCO3- secretion is stimulated by vagal mechanisms involving action on nicotinic as well as on muscarinic receptors and possibly also noncholinergic neurotransmission.