Evidence for reflex adrenergic inhibition of acid secretion in the conscious rat

In conscious gastric fistula rats, gastric distension with saline to a pressure of 7 cm caused a threefold reduction of basal gastric acid secretion. Distension with 6.25% peptone solution to the same pressure doubled basal acid secretion. The saline distension-induced inhibition was abolished by guanethidine and markedly reduced by propranolol; phentolamine was ineffective. The response to peptone was unaffected by guanethidine. The results suggest that in the rat, gastric distension at physiological pressures inhibits acid secretion by a beta-adrenergic reflex. The inhibition can be masked by concurrent chemical stimulation of the gastric mucosa by the digestion products of food.