Hepatic modulation of insulin-induced gastric acid secretion and EMG activity in rats

Intravenous infusions of fructose, a hexose that does not cross the blood-brain barrier, suppressed insulin-induced gastric acid secretion and electromyographic (EMG) activity despite continuing hypoglycemia. Hepatic portal vein infusions of 0.15 M fructose inhibited acid output while the same concentration delivered via the jugular vein did not, suggesting a hepatic site of action of the hexose. Only infusions of fructose that began before onset of the insulin-induced gastric responses were effective, whereas glucose infusions, which elevated plasma glucose levels, readily reversed ongoing gastric activity. The suppressive effects of fructose on gastric activity were prevented by prior section of the hepatic branch of the vagus nerve. In contrast, hepatic vagotomy did not prevent suppression of gastric responses by infusions of glucose, a hexose utilized by both brain and liver. These results suggest that receptors in the brain may initiate and terminate insulin-induced gastric acid secretion and motor activity, whereas sensors in the liver may inhibit these responses.