The effects of calcitonin on pancreatic exocrine secretion in dogs

The effect of calcitonin on pancreatic secretion was studied in unanesthetized dogs with a Thomas cannula implanted opposite the main pancreatic duct. Pancreatic juice was collected for a 60 minute control period, during which time secretion was stimulated by the intravenous infusion of secretin and pancreozymin. After the 60 minute control period, calcitonin was infused along with the secretin and pancreozymin. The infusion of calcitonin caused the volume, bicarbonate and enzyme output in the pancreatic juice to decrease to about one-half of that during the control period. During the one hour period, after calcitonin infusion was stopped, the volume, bicarbonate and enzyme content of the pancreatic juice increased but remained slightly lower than that of the control period. The infusion of calcium gluceptate, along with secretin and pancreozymin, overcame the inhibitory effect of calcitonin on pancreatic secretion.