Modulation of stimulated pancreatic secretion by sympathomimetic amines in the rat

Pancreatic secretion in anesthetized rats with acute fistulas was provoked by caerulein, acetylcholine, electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves or by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG). Venous infusions of norepinephrine, isoprenaline or dopamine inhibited the 2-DG-stimulated enzyme secretion but not that provoked by caerulein, acetylcholine or vagal electrical stimulation. Intracerebroventricular administration of norepinephrine or isoprenaline also inhibited 2-DG-stimulated enzyme secretion. It was confirmed that the amines stimulated water and electrolyte secretion by the pancreas in the order of potency isoprenaline greater than norepinephrine greater than dopamine. The results are consistent with a model whereby norepinephrine and isoprenaline exert their effect on pancreatic secretion via a central inhibition of vagal drive to the pancreas, together with a direct stimulating effect on water and electrolyte secretion at the level of pancreatic cells.