Effects of parathyroidectomy and hemigastrectomy on exocrine pancreatic secretion on dogs

The effects of parathyroidectomy on secretory functions of the pancreas were studied in a group of dogs with previous hemigastrectomy. Free flow of pancreatic juice was obtained by direct cannulation of the main pancreatic duct. A gastric fistula prevented the entry of gastric acid into the duodenum. Parathyroidectomy caused a significant decrease in the secretin-induced volume and bicarbonate secretion. Pentagastrin administration produced a slight increase in volume and bicarbonate secretion which remained below preparathyroidectomy levels. These results were not dependent on calcium blood levels and did not change after calcium administration to the hypocalcemic-parathyroidectomy dog. It is suggested that parathyroid hormone effect on pancreatic secretion is not mediated via gastrin but due at least in part to direct action on the parenchyma.