Reserpine-induced dissociation of canine pancreatic secretion

In five dogs, provided with chronic pancreatic and gastric fistulas (Thomas' cannula), the effects on exocrine pancreatic secretion of an intravenous continuous perfusion of gastrin (Eurorga, hog gastrin I-II, 6 mug./kg./hr.) and secretin (GIH, 0.5 C.U./kg.hr.) was studied before and after 48 hours of reserpine treatment (0.1 mg./kg./24 hr.). When compared with the pretreated plateau levels, reserpine induced a significant pancreatic secretion dissociation, a depressive of the alkaline and a rising of the protein component. The former phenomenon suggests a participation of a catecholamines in the secretin-elicited pancreatic electrolyte secretion. The latter, an enhanced sensitivity of intranpancreatic and/or acinar cells of the "pancreon" to gastrin stimulation.