Effects of some gastrointestinal hormones on two muscle layers of duodenum

The duodenums of opossums and cats were cut into strips 2 mm wide and 2-2.5 cm long. Strips cut in the oral-caudal axis were called longitudinal strips; those cut at 90 degrees to that axis were called circular strips. Cholecystokinin (CCK) and cerulein stimulated phasic contractions of circular muscle of opossum duodenum, but had no effect on the longitudinal muscle. The effect of CCK was not blocked by tetrodotoxin (10(-7)M), indicating a direct muscle stimulation. CCK had no effect of both muscle layers of the cat duodenum. Vasoactive intestinal peptide raised tension in longitudinal muscle, but reduced tension in circular muscle of opossum duodenum. Glucagon slightly reduced tension in both longitudinal and circular muscle of opossum duodenum. It also inhibited contractions of circular muscle caused by acetylcholine. Pentagastrin and secretin had no effect on either muscle layer in either species. These findings suggest that the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the duodenum respond differently to at least some gastrointestinal hormones. Also, there is species variation in response to gastrointestinal hormones.