Effect of partial versus complete pancreatic denervation on pancreatic secretion

The aim of this study is to compare the effect of various stimuli on pancreatic secretion in two groups of dogs, one undergoing interruption of the cholinergic and adrenergic branches to the pancreas (long arc reflexes), and the second group undergoing total denervation of the pancreas by its isolation from stomach and duodenum (short arc reflexes). Stimulation of pancreatic secretion was accomplished by (a) hormonal, by i.v. secretin and CCK/PZ and (b) reflex stimulation by intraduodenal administration of fat (Na oleate) or amino acids (Aminosyn). After a few weeks of collected data in stimulated controls, the dogs were divided into two groups: (A) Four dogs underwent proximal truncal vagotomy, celiac ganglionectomy, and stripping of the common hepatic and gastroduodenal arteries for 2-3 cm. (B) Four dogs underwent the same procedures, but in addition the pancreas was dissected away from its vascular and nervous attachments to the duodenal wall and pyloric region, as well as from its mesenteric and peritoneal attachments. All animals were then tested with secretin, Cholecystokinin/pancreozymin (CCK/PZ), intraduodenal fat, and intraduodenal amino acids. The data obtained indicate that secretion of pancreatic bicarbonate is dependent on intact local duodeno-pancreatic nervous reflexes. Fat and amino acids stimulate the secretion of bicarbonate only when the attachments of the pancreas to the stomach and duodenum are intact. Stimulation by secretion or CCK, being humoral-hormonal mediators, appears not to be affected by the local denervation.