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The role of CCK in mediating neuronal activity in the brain in response to dietary carbohydrate was measured by detecting Fos immunoreactivity in response to duodenal glucose load in rats after administration of the CCK-A receptor antagonist devazepide. In adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats, infusion for 30 min of 545 mg (2.18 kcal) dextrose through a duodenal cannula induced Fos expression in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), area postrema (AP), lateral division of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeAL), and the external subnucleus of the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBE). Devazepide treatment (1 mg/kg) attenuated Fos expression in the NTS and AP by 81 and 78%, respectively, but not in the CeAL or LPBE. These results indicate that central neuronal activation is elicited by dietary glucose in the intestinal lumen and that activation of neurons in the NTS and AP is mediated by CCK-A receptors.

We used the cholecystokinin receptor antagonist devazepide to assess the importance of CCK in mediating the anorexia produced by 2-h duodenal infusions of peptone, a protein digest, at dark onset in nonfasted rats. Peptone alone (0.14-2.24 g/h) suppressed food intake dose dependently by 18-96%, with an approximate half-maximal dose of 1 g/h. Peptone-induced reductions in caloric ingestion were comparable to the caloric loads infused. Devazepide alone (30-1,000 microgram/kg) stimulated food intake dose dependently by 30-73%, with a minimal effective dose of 100 micrograms/kg. Devazepide appeared to reverse the anorexic response to peptone (1.1 g/h) dose dependently by 29-65%, with a minimal effective dose of 30 micrograms/kg. The magnitudes of these devazepide-induced effects were similar to, and in some cases were larger than, those produced when the same doses of devazepide were administered alone. Coadministration of devazepide (1,000 micrograms/kg) and a lower peptone dose (0.8 g/h) produced similar results. These results suggest that an essential CCK mechanism plays a significant role in mediating the satiety response to duodenal delivery of protein.

A CCK-deficient mouse mutant generated by gene targeting in embryonic stem cells was analyzed to determine the importance of CCK for growth and function of the exocrine pancreas and for pancreatic adaptation to dietary changes. RIAs confirmed the absence of CCK in mutant mice and demonstrated that tissue concentrations of the related peptide gastrin were normal. CCK-deficient mice are viable and fertile and exhibit normal body weight. Pancreas weight and cellular morphology appeared normal, although pancreatic amylase content was elevated in CCK-deficient mice. We found that a high-protein diet increased pancreatic weight, protein, DNA, and chymotrypsinogen content similarly in CCK-deficient and wild-type mice. This result demonstrates that CCK is not required for protein-induced pancreatic hypertrophy and increased proteolytic enzyme content. This is a novel finding, since CCK has been considered the primary mediator of dietary protein-induced changes in the pancreas. Altered somatostatin concentrations in brain and duodenum of CCK-deficient mice suggest that other regulatory pathways are modified to compensate for the CCK deficiency.

The gut peptide CCK is a nutrient-related signal important to the control of food intake. In the present studies, we observed that a single intraperitoneal injection of CCK (1-2 microgram/kg) given 2-3 h after intracerebroventricular leptin (2-5 microgram) reduced body weight and chow intake over the ensuing 48 h more than did leptin alone. CCK alone had no effect on either 48-h chow intake or body weight but significantly reduced feeding during a 30-min sucrose test. However, reduction of 30-min sucrose intake by CCK was not enhanced by prior intracerebroventricular leptin. The present data suggest that CCK can contribute to the regulation of body weight when central leptin levels are elevated.

Fat in small intestine decreases meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion and slows gastric emptying. CCK is a mediator of this inhibitory effect (an enterogastrone). Because intravenously administered peptide YY (PYY) inhibits acid secretion, endogenous PYY released by fat may also be an enterogastrone. Four dogs were equipped with gastric, duodenal, and midgut fistulas. PYY antibody (anti-PYY) at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg or CCK-A receptor antagonist (devazepide) at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg was administered alone or in combination 10 min before the proximal half of the gut was perfused with 60 mM oleate or buffer. Acid secretion and gastric emptying were measured. We found that 1) peptone-induced gastric acid secretion was inhibited by intestinal fat (P < 0.0001), 2) inhibition of acid secretion by intestinal fat was reversed by CCK-A receptor antagonist (P < 0.0001) but not by anti-PYY, and 3) slowing of gastric emptying by fat was reversed by CCK-A antagonist (P < 0. 05) but not by anti-PYY. We concluded that inhibition of peptone meal-induced gastric acid secretion and slowing of gastric emptying by intestinal fat depended on CCK but not on circulating PYY.

Transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxations (TLESRs) are the main underlying mechanism of gastroesophageal reflux. Although CCK acts through CCK-A receptors to increase the TLESRs induced by gastric distension, the respective roles of endogenous CCK and fundic tone in triggering postprandial TLESRs remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the CCK-A receptor antagonist, loxiglumide, on postprandial LES function and fundic tone in humans. LES motor events and fundic tone were simultaneously monitored in two groups of healthy volunteers. Recordings were performed during fasting and for 3 h after a liquid meal (200 ml/200 kcal) administered either orally or intraduodenally at a rate mimicking gastric emptying. Each subject received loxiglumide (10 mg. kg-1. h-1) or saline (control) in randomized order, which was started 40 min before the meal and maintained for 3 h thereafter. After the oral meal, loxiglumide significantly reduced TLESRs (P = 0.002) without significantly affecting LES pressure and fundic tone. After duodenal infusion of the meal, loxiglumide totally abolished the increase in TLESRs, reduced LES pressure fall (P < 0.02), and strongly inhibited fundic relaxation (P = 0.0001). We concluded that endogenous CCK is involved in the postprandial control of both LES function and fundic tone through activation of CCK-A receptors.

The pathological activation of digestive zymogens within the pancreatic acinar cell probably plays a central role in initiating many forms of pancreatitis. To examine the relationship between zymogen activation and acinar cell injury, we investigated the effects of secretagogue treatment on isolated pancreatic acini. Immunofluorescence studies using antibodies to the trypsinogen-activation peptide demonstrated that both CCK (10(-7) M) hyperstimulation and bombesin (10(-5) M) stimulation of isolated acini resulted in trypsinogen processing to trypsin. These treatments also induced the proteolytic processing of procarboxypeptidase A1 to carboxypeptidase A1 (CA1). After CCK hyperstimulation, most CA1 remained in the acinar cell. In contrast, the CA1 generated by bombesin was released from the acinar cell. CCK hyperstimulation of acini was associated with cellular injury, whereas bombesin treatment did not induce injury. These studies suggest that 1) proteolytic zymogen processing occurs within the pancreatic acinar cell and 2) both zymogen activation and the retention of enzymes within the acinar cell may be required to induce injury.

The present study investigated the effects of bilateral injections of the nonselective CCK receptor antagonist proglumide or CCK-8 into the lateral parabrachial nuclei (LPBN) on the ingestion of 0.3 M NaCl and water induced by intracerebroventricular injection of ANG II or by a combined treatment with subcutaneous furosemide (Furo) + captopril (Cap). Compared with the injection of saline (vehicle), bilateral LPBN injections of proglumide (50 micrograms . 200 nl-1 . site-1) increased the intake of 0.3 M NaCl induced by intracerebroventricular ANG II (50 ng/1 microliter). Bilateral injections of proglumide into the LPBN also increased ANG II-induced water intake when NaCl was simultaneously available, but not when only water was present. Similarly, the ingestion of 0.3 M NaCl and water induced by the treatment with Furo (10 mg/kg) + Cap (5 mg/kg) was increased by bilateral LPBN proglumide pretreatment. Bilateral CCK-8 (0.5 microgram . 200 nl-1 . site-1) injections into the LPBN did not change Furo + Cap-induced 0.3 M NaCl intake but reduced water consumption. When only water was available after intracerebroventricular ANG II, bilateral LPBN injections of proglumide or CCK-8 had no effect or significantly reduced water intake compared with LPBN vehicle-treated rats. Taken together, these results suggest that CCK actions in the LPBN play a modulatory role on the control of NaCl and water intake induced by experimental treatments that induce hypovolemia and/or hypotension or that mimic those states.

We have previously demonstrated that altered exocrine pancreatic stimulus-secretion coupling is associated with ovariectomy and chronic estradiol administration. To elucidate possible mechanisms underlying those effects we examined the ability of chronic administration of different doses of estradiol to regulate the CCK signal transduction pathway in isolated rat pancreatic acini. Doses of estradiol ranging from 0.5 to 119 micrograms/day were administered to ovariectomized rats for 18 days. Ovariectomy was associated with enhanced CCK-stimulated pancreatic amylase release, whereas estradiol dose dependently decreased the magnitude of CCK-stimulated amylase release. Ovariectomy was also associated with enhanced CCK receptor numbers on acinar cell membranes. Estradiol administration was associated with dose-dependent decreases in CCK receptor numbers. Neither ovariectomy nor estradiol administration affected CCK receptor affinity. Moreover, estradiol administration was associated with increased expression of the alpha-subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein Gq/11 (Galphaq/11). Recent findings (H. Ohnishi, S. A. Ernst, D. I. Yule, C. W. Baker, and J. A. Williams. J. Biol. Chem. 272: 16056-16061, 1997) demonstrate that Galphaq/11 may exert a tonic inhibitory effect on pancreatic enzyme release. In view of these findings, the increased expression of Galphaq/11 induced by estradiol likely contributes to the inhibition of pancreatic enzyme release. We conclude that the effect of estradiol to decrease pancreatic secretion is mediated through regulation of CCK receptor density and Galphaq/11 expression.

Exocrine pancreatic secretion stimulated by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), which acts through the adenylyl cyclase-cAMP pathway, is potentiated by stimulation with other secretagogues such as CCK and carbachol (CCh). However, the potentiating effect is abolished by the same secretagogues at supramaximal concentrations. In the present study, we examined the mechanisms by which supramaximal concentrations of CCK octapeptide (CCK-8) or CCh reduce the VIP-induced potentiation of amylase secretion from isolated rat pancreatic acini. VIP-stimulated amylase secretion was potentiated by submaximal stimulatory concentrations of CCK-8 and CCh but was reduced by the same reagents at higher concentrations. Supramaximal concentrations of CCK-8 or CCh also reduced forskolin-induced potentiation of amylase release but did not reduce that induced by 8-bromo-cAMP. Moreover, supramaximal concentrations of CCK-8 or CCh inhibited VIP-stimulated intracellular cAMP production as well as adenylyl cyclase activity. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) also reduced the magnitude of the potentiation of amylase release caused by VIP plus CCK-8 or CCh, although TPA itself decreased neither VIP-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity nor intracellular cAMP accumulation. These results indicate that supramaximal concentrations of CCK-8 and CCh reduce the potentiating effect of VIP and forskolin on amylase secretion by inhibiting the adenylyl cyclase activity. In addition, protein kinase C is suggested to be partly implicated in this inhibitory mechanism. The mechanisms that lead to such inhibition may be interlinked but distinct from each other.

Fat meals are known to decrease lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, possibly through postprandial CCK release. Dietary fat consists mainly of long-chain triglycerides (LCT), which potently stimulate CCK secretion. This effect contrasts with that of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), which do not induce CCK release. We recorded LES pressure and gallbladder volume in six healthy subjects on five separate occasions during intraduodenal administration of 1) saline control, 2) LCT, 3) MCT, 4) LCT during intravenous infusion of the CCK receptor antagonist loxiglumide, and 5) MCT together with loxiglumide. LES pressure decreased significantly during administration of both LCT and MCT. Loxiglumide completely prevented the reduction in LES pressure during intraduodenal LCT, but not during intraduodenal MCT. Gallbladder volume decreased during LCT, but not during MCT. It is concluded that intraduodenal administration of equimolar amounts of both LCT and MCT significantly reduces LES pressure. The effect of LCT on LES pressure is mediated by CCK. The effect of MCT is not dependent on CCK, since MCT does not release CCK and loxiglumide does not prevent the MCT-induced reduction in LES pressure.

CCK and gastrin stimulate somatostatin (SOM) secretion and thus modulate their direct effects on the parietal cell. Although SOM is stored in D cells of the fundus and antrum, the nature of the cell type differs, and it is not known whether both regions respond to the stimulatory effects of CCK and gastrin. The objectives of the present study were to determine the separate effects of CCK and gastrin on fundic and antral SOM secretion and to assess the type of receptor involved, using CCK-A (L-364,718) and CCK-B/gastrin (L-365,260) receptor antagonists. Changes in SOM were measured in plasma collected from cannulas draining blood from the fundus (gastric vein) and antrum (gastroepiploic vein) in anesthetized sheep. Both CCK and gastrin significantly stimulated SOM from the fundus and antrum. Sulfated CCK-8 (CCK-8S) increased SOM secretion from the fundus and antrum through interaction with both type A and B receptors. In contrast to CCK-8S, sulfated gastrin-17 (G-17S) stimulated SOM from the fundus via the type B receptor alone, whereas in the antrum G-17S stimulated SOM secretion independent of the A and B receptors. Histamine mediated, at least in part, the SOM-stimulatory effects; an H2-receptor antagonist blocked CCK-stimulated SOM secretion in both the fundus and antrum and reduced gastrin-stimulated SOM secretion in the fundus. The present study demonstrates regionally distinct regulatory mechanisms for gastric SOM secretion by CCK and gastrin.

Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats develop obesity, hyperglycemia, and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and do not express cholecystokinin A (CCK-A) receptors, the receptor subtype mediating the satiety actions of CCK. In short-term feeding tests, male OLETF rats were completely resistant to exogenous CCK, and their response to bombesin was attenuated. Comparisons of liquid meal consumption in OLETF and control Long-Evans Tokushima (LETO) rats demonstrated that 1) OLETF rats had greater intakes during 30-min scheduled daytime meals and significantly larger and fewer spontaneous night-time meals and 2) although the initial rates of licking were the same, OLETF rats maintained the initial rate longer and the rate at which their licking declined was slower. In 24-h solid food access tests, OLETF rats consumed significantly more pellets than LETO controls, and this increase was attributable to significant increases in meal size. Together, these data are consistent with the interpretation that the lack of CCK-A receptors in OLETF rats results in a satiety deficit leading to increases in meal size, overall hyperphagia, and obesity.

This study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of action of progesterone on gallbladder smooth muscle in guinea pigs. Adult male guinea pigs were treated with either progesterone (2 mg.kg-1.day-1) or saline for 7 days. Gallbladder muscle cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion with collagenase. Contractile responses to agonists were expressed as percent shortening from control cell length. [35S]guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) ([35S]GTP gamma S)-binding properties of G proteins were assessed in crude membranes of gallbladder muscle with or without cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) stimulation. Gallbladder muscle cells from progesterone-treated guinea pigs exhibited an impaired contractile response to CCK-8, GTP gamma S, or aluminum fluoride but a normal response to potassium chloride or D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate compared with controls. Western blot analysis of gallbladder muscle revealed the presence of Gi1-2, Gi3, Gq/11, and Gs proteins. The maximal contraction induced by CCK-8 was blocked by pertussis toxin and Gi alpha 3-specific antibodies, but not by Gi alpha 1-2 or Gq/11 alpha antibodies. CCK-8 caused a significant increase in [35S]GTP gamma S binding to Gi alpha 3, but not to Gq/11 alpha or Gi alpha 1-2. The stimulation of Gi alpha 3 binding, however, was significantly reduced in gallbladder muscle membranes from progesterone-treated guinea pigs compared with that in control animals. In conclusion, progesterone might cause gallbladder hypomotility by downregulating Gi3 proteins.

The relative contributions of several gut-derived peptides as enterogastrones known to be released in response to a fatty meal and to inhibit acid secretion have not previously been compared directly. We determined the acid-inhibitory activities of increasing intravenous doses of several peptides before and after highly selective vagotomy (HSV) during intragastric titration of a peptone meal in dogs. Before HSV, threshold inhibitory doses of peptide YY (PYY), cholecystokinin (CCK), and secretin were 5, 7, and 10 pmol.kg-1.h-1, respectively, whereas neurotensin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and oxyntomodulin failed to inhibit acid secretion at doses up to 1,000 pmol.kg-1.h-1. The calculated dose producing 50% acid inhibition (ID50) of secretin (62 pmol.kg-1.h-1) was one-half that of PYY (128 pmol.kg-1.h-1). Maximal (90%) acid inhibition was produced by 100 pmol.kg-1.h-1 secretin and 500 pmol.kg-1.h-1 PYY. The highest dose of CCK that did not cause vomiting (100 pmol.kg-1.h-1) inhibited peptone-stimulated acid output by only 60%. After HSV, 500 pmol.kg-1.h-1. PYY and 200 pmol.kg-1.h-1 CCK failed to inhibit acid output by more than 50%. Threshold doses for inhibition by PYY and CCK were 200 and 100 pmol.kg-1.h-1, respectively. Secretin remained a potent inhibitor after HSV, with an ID50 of 80 pmol.kg-1.h-1 and a threshold dose of 10 pmol.kg-1.h-1. HSV also failed to affect inhibition caused by somatostatin. This study has shown that PYY and secretin are somewhat more potent and efficacious inhibitors of acid secretion than CCK but that all three peptides are far more active than GLP-1, neurotensin, and oxyntomodulin. PYY and CCK inhibit acid secretion in large part through vagal innervation of the gastric fundus, but the inhibitory effects of secretin are independent of fundic vagal innervation.

Smooth muscle from gallbladders with cholesterol stones exhibits impaired response to cholecystokinin (CCK). This study investigated whether the impaired response is mediated by different signal-transduction pathways responsible for CCK-induced contraction in prairie dog and human gallbladders with cholesterol stones. Gallbladder muscle cells were isolated enzymatically to study contraction. Protein kinase C (PKC) activity was measured by examining the phosphorylation of a specific substrate peptide from myelin basic protein Ac-MBP-(4-14). Gallbladder muscle cells from high-cholesterol-fed prairie dogs contracted less in response to CCK octapeptide (CCK-8) than those from the control group. However, inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), diacylglycerol, and guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) induced the same magnitudes of contraction in these two groups. In control prairie dog and human gallbladders, the maximal contraction caused by 10(-8) M CCK-8 was blocked by the calmodulin antagonist CGS9343B but not by the PKC inhibitor H-7. Conversely, in gallbladders with cholesterol stones from prairie dogs or human patients, the maximal contraction induced by 10(-8) M CCK-8 was blocked by H-7 and chelerythrine but not by CGS9343B. In these gallbladders CCK-8 caused a significant PKC translocation from the cytosol to the membrane. High CCK concentrations may activate the calmodulin-dependent pathway in functionally normal gallbladder muscle and the PKC-dependent pathway in muscle from gallbladders with cholesterol stones. The defect of gallbladder muscle after cholesterol feeding and stones might reside in the steps before G protein activation.

The presence of the 90-kDa ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p90(rsk)) in isolated rat pancreatic acini was demonstrated by Western blotting and immunoprecipitation with anti-p90(rsk). Cholecystokinin (CCK) activated p90(rsk) activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner and increased its phosphorylation. The threshold concentration of CCK was 10 pM and the maximal effect was seen at 1 nM. An increase in p90(rsk) was observed 1 min after 1 nM CCK stimulation, reaching a maximum at 10 min, when p90(rsk) activity was increased 5.4-fold. Carbachol and bombesin, but not vasoactive intestinal peptide, also activated p90(rsk). CCK-induced activation of p90(rsk) appears to be mediated by protein kinase C (PKC), since 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate increased p90(rsk) activity 5.3-fold. GF-109293X, a potent inhibitor of PKC, strongly inhibited CCK-evoked p90(rsk) activity. Treatment of acini with ionomycin or 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid had no effect, indicating that mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ by CCK is not important in p90(rsk) activation. Although there were some quantitative differences in the extent of inhibition, the specific inhibitors [rapamycin, wortmannin, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitor PD98059, and GF-109293X] had parallel effects on p90(rsk) and p42(mapk) activities, consistent with a model in which p90(rsk) can be regulated in acini by MAPK.

A meal disrupts migrating motor complexes (MMC) in the rat intestine through stimulation of peripheral cholecystokinin (CCK)-B and central CCK-A receptors. The aim of this study was to determine pathways implicated in postprandial disruption of the MMC mediated by CCK. Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared with electrodes for electromyography in the small intestine, and ablation of vagal afferent C-fibers by capsaicin was carried out. Endogenous release of CCK was induced by oral administration of soybean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI). In control rats SBTI disrupted MMC and generated an irregular spiking activity that lasted longer than 3 h. Intravenous infusion of L-365,260 (2 x 10(-7) mol/kg) but not of L-364,718 (3 x 10(-9) mol/kg) restored the MMC pattern. In capsaicin-treated rats, SBTI did not modify fasting activity. Infusion of CCK octapeptide (CCK-8) at 3 x 10(-9) mol.kg-1.h-1 disrupted the MMC, although the response was quantitatively and qualitatively different from SBTI. The effect was reversed by intravenous infusion of L-364,718 or L-365,260 and intracerebroventricular infusion of L-364,718. In capsaicin-treated rats, the intracerebroventricular or intravenous infusion of L-364,718 inhibited CCK-8 effects. However, the intravenous infusion of L-365,260 did not reverse the MMC pattern. These results suggest that the disruption of the MMC mediated by CCK is due to stimulation of peripheral CCK-B receptors located in vagal afferent fibers. This initiates a reflex including stimulation of central CCK-A receptors. Exogenous CCK also stimulates peripheral CCK-A receptors not located in capsaicin-sensitive vagal afferent fibers.

We used the type A cholecystokinin receptor (CCK-AR) antagonist devazepide to assess the importance of CCK in mediating the anorexia produced by 2-h duodenal infusions of glucose (9.2, 11.0, and 18.3 mmol.kg-1.h-1) and the glucose dimer maltose (4.5, 6.7, and 8.5 mmol.kg-1.h-1) at the start of the dark period in nonfasted rats with free access to food. Glucose and maltose appeared to inhibit 2- to 3-h food intakes dose dependently from 19 to 91%. The highest doses of glucose and maltose administered suppressed feeding similarly by increasing first meal latency and decreasing meal frequency; lower doses produced less reliable effects on meal patterns. Devazepide appeared to completely reverse the cumulative intake responses and some of the meal pattern responses to the 9.2-mmol.kg-1.h-1 dose of glucose and to partially attenuate responses to the two higher glucose doses and to the minimal effective dose of maltose (6.7 mmol.kg-1.h-1). The magnitudes of these devazepide effects were not statistically different from those produced by devazepide when vehicle was infused duodenally. These results suggest that CCK may play a significant necessary role in mediating the satiety response to duodenal delivery of small but not large loads of glucose.

Cholecystokinin (CCK) prevents macroscopic injury to the stomach from luminal irritants by an unknown mechanism. The present study was undertaken in conscious rats to ascertain what role gastric mucosal blood flow, sensory neurons, and endogenous somatostatin play in CCK-induced gastric protection. Subcutaneous administration of CCK (10-100 micrograms/kg) significantly reduced macroscopic injury to the acid-secreting portion of the stomach caused by 1 ml of orally administered acidified ethanol (150 mM HCl, 50% ethanol) and augmented gastric mucosal blood flow (fluorescent microspheres) in a dose-dependent fashion. However, although the protective response to CCK (100 micrograms/kg) was still present at 2 h, the blood flow response had returned to baseline by 45 min. Ablation of capsaicin-sensitive afferent neurons with capsaicin (125 mg/kg sc) did not negate CCK-induced protection. Pretreatment with exogenous somatostatin (1 pmol-1 nmol/kg sc) failed to prevent the damaging effects of acidified ethanol to gastric mucosa. Immunoneutralization of endogenous somatostatin with somatostatin monoclonal antibody (2 mg ip) did not reverse the protective actions of CCK. Thus the data suggest that although CCK may prepare the gastric mucosa to withstand a damaging insult by augmenting gastric mucosal blood flow, its protective mechanism is independent of intact sensory neurons and endogenous somatostatin.

The role of endogenous cholecystokinin (CCK) in the regulation of gastric emptying remains controversial. We therefore studied the effect of the CCK-A receptor antagonist loxiglumide on gastric emptying of a high-caloric solid-liquid meal in humans. Gastric emptying was assessed in eight volunteers using intravenous loxiglumide or placebo in a randomized double-blind order. Subjects were studied by a dual-headed gamma camera after ingestion of a pancake (570 kcal) labeled with 99mTc-sulfur colloid and 500 ml 10% glucose containing 111In-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid. Plasma CCK was measured by a specific radioimmunoassay. Loxiglumide markedly accelerated gastric emptying of both phases of the meal. The lag period was shortened by 26% (P < 0.03); the area under the emptying curve and half-emptying time of solid emptying were lowered by 19 and 24% (P < 0.02) and of liquid emptying by 18 and 24% (P < 0.04), respectively. Plasma CCK levels were higher during infusion of loxiglumide compared with placebo (P < 0.02). These data demonstrate that post-prandially released CCK is a major regulator of gastric emptying of physiological meals containing both solid and liquid components.

Okadaic acid, a serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor, has been shown to inhibit rat pancreatic enzyme secretion by interference with late processes in stimulus-secretion coupling. To further characterize its action, we studied the effect of okadaic acid on secretion of newly synthesized proteins, protein synthesis, and cellular ultrastructure in pancreatic lobules derived from rats stimulated in vivo by feeding the synthetic proteinase inhibitor FOY-305. Okadaic acid completely blocked protein secretion at concentrations that inhibit the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase 2b, calcineurin. Protein synthesis was abolished at 10(-6) mol/l and reduced by 60% at 5 x 10(-7) mol/l okadaic acid. Pancreatic lobules exposed to 5 x 10(-7) mol/l okadaic acid for 20 min fully restored their secretory capacity on removal of the drug; whereas, after a preincubation with okadaic acid for > 40 min, protein secretion remained impaired during the recovery period. Electron microscopic examination of pancreatic acinar cells treated with 5 x 10(-7) mol/l okadaic acid revealed a dilated Golgi complex after 15 and 30 min and a subsequent fragmentation of Golgi cisternae into clouds of small uniform vesicles after 60 min. Reassembly of Golgi stacks occurred after a 60-min recovery without okadaic acid. These data indicate that serine/threonine phosphatases play an important role not only in the regulation of pancreatic enzyme synthesis and exocytosis but also are crucial for the maintenance of normal Golgi architecture and function in the exocrine rat pancreas. These effects are probably not exclusively mediated via type 2b calcineurin-like protein phosphatases.

Many biologically active peptides exist in multiple molecular forms, but the functional significance of regions outside the region of bioactivity is unknown. The biological and immunological data presented in this study indicate that cholecystokinin-58 (CCK-58), unlike other forms of cholecystokinin, has structure that influences its bioactivity. CCK-58 was purified from acid extracts of canine intestinal mucosa until a single absorbance peak was obtained during reverse-phase chromatography. Amino acid analysis precisely determined the peptide concentrations of purified CCK-58 and synthetic CCK-8. Our hypothesis was that if the amino terminus of CCK-58 influences its bioactivity then its activity would be modified when this region was removed from the peptide. To evaluate the importance of the amino terminus of CCK-58 to influence its biological activity, the abilities of CCK-58 and CCK-8 to release amylase from pancreatic acini were compared before and after tryptic digestion. Tryptic digestion of CCK-58 decreased the half-maximal stimulation (EC50) for amylase release from 96 to 28 pM. The EC50 for digested CCK-58 was similar to that for CCK-8 (17 pM). These results suggest that CCK-58 has a structure that shields its bioactive carboxyl terminus. This is further supported by the finding that carboxyl fragments generated from CCK-58 by trypsin or by partial acid hydrolysis were greater than twofold more immunoreactive than the intact CCK-58. The diminished activity of CCK-58 SK shields the carboxyl terminus, which is important to its biological and immunological activities.

To assess the importance of triglyceride digestion products in producing satiety, we determined the effects of duodenal infusions of triolein, oleic acid, and oleic acid plus monoolein on meal patterns in ad libitum-feeding rats. Oleic acid and oleic acid plus monoolein inhibited feeding similarly; triolein's effect was delayed and fourfold less potent. We then used the type A cholecystokinin (CCK-A)-receptor antagonist devazepide to assess the importance of CCK in mediating the anorexia produced by oleic acid. Oleic acid (at 320, 440, and 640 mumol/h) inhibited 3-h intake dose dependently by 32, 56, and 75%, respectively. Devazepide (1 or 2 mg/kg) blocked the responses to the 320 mumol/h dose, but had little if any effect on responses to the larger doses. Devazepide (1 mg/kg) did block anorexic responses to 3-h cholecystokinin octapeptide infusions (3 and 10 nmol.kg-1.h-1 iv) that inhibited 3-h intake by 25 and 65%, respectively. Our results suggest that the satiety response to triolein is produced by the products of triolein digestion and that CCK plays a significant, indispensable role in mediating the satiety response to duodenal delivery of small but not large loads of oleic acid.

Human gallbladders were used to investigate the mechanisms of the impaired contraction induced by cholecystokinin (CCK) associated with cholesterol stones. Single muscle cells were isolated enzymatically with collagenase. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Diacylglycerol was assayed by thin-layer chromatography. CCK stimulation showed decreased muscle contraction and production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol in gallbladders with cholesterol stones compared with those with pigment stones. Exogenous calmodulin induced maximal contraction of 22.4 +/- 0.5 and 21.0 +/- 0.6% in gallbladders with cholesterol and pigment stones, respectively. Similar findings were observed with a synthetic diacylglycerol analogue. Two G protein activators, aluminum fluoride and guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate), evoked similar responses in these two types of gallbladders, with maximal contractions of 21.3 +/- 0.4 and 23.3 +/- 0.5%, respectively, in those with cholesterol stones and 20.9 +/- 0.8 and 22.6 +/- 0.4%, respectively, in those with pigment stones. These results suggest that receptor-dependent ligands like CCK cannot fully activate the intracellular pathways, which, however, can be fully stimulated by circumventing receptors with G protein activators or second messengers. After G protein activation, the pathways appear to be functionally intact. The defect might then reside in the receptor or in the interaction between receptors and G proteins.

The effects of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) as well as the involvement of opioid system were evaluated in rectal distension (RD)-induced colonic motor inhibition in rats. Rats were surgically prepared with electrodes implanted on the proximal colon, and a catheter was implanted in lateral ventricle of the brain. RD was performed by inflation (0.0-1.6 ml) of a balloon rectally inserted. RD 1.6 ml of induced an inhibition of the colonic spike bursts (3.1 +/- 0.5 per 5 min vs. 8.1 +/- 0.4 before RD). Intracerebroventricular but not intravenous injection of CCK-8 and A-71623 (50 and 100 ng/kg) reduced the RD-induced colonic motor inhibition, whereas A-63387 was ineffective. PD-135,158 (10 micrograms/kg icv) suppressed the inhibitory reflex caused by RD. Devazepide (100 micrograms/kg icv) had no effect in this reflex function. Devazepide (1 microgram/kg), naloxone (0.1 mg/kg), and nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI; 10 mg/kg) reversed the blocking effect of CCK-8, whereas PD-135,158 (0.1 microgram/kg) and naltrindole (1 mg/kg) have no effect. In conclusion, CCK-8 acts on central alimentary cholecystokinin receptors to modulate the RD-induced inhibition of colonic motility through pathways involving activation of endogenous kappa-receptors.

Previously we demonstrated that glutamatergic and noradrenergic receptors mediate the relay of visceral information through the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) and that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), somatostatin (SOM), neurotensin (NT), and cholecystokinin (CCK) may modulate these responses. The interactions of these neurotransmitters and neuropeptides were examined in male Wistar rats (17) that were anesthetized with chloral hydrate and ventilated and in which blood pressure and heart rate were continuously monitored. The left cervical vagus nerve was stimulated at submaximal current intensities to elicit changes in single and multiunit activity of visceral thalamic neurons (VTNs). Peristimulus-time and continuous-time histograms of VTN activity were made before and after 200-nl injections of peptides, neurotransmitter agonists or antagonists, or artificial cerebrospinal fluid into the PBN. Combined injection of CGRP and SP into the PBN produced a synergistic inhibition of spontaneous VTN activity and the vagally evoked VTN response. Combined injection of NT and phenylephrine (PE) into the PBN produced only an additive increase in the spontaneous activity of VTNs. Prior administration of SOM in the PBN blocked the excitatory action of an alpha-adrenergic agonist (phenylephrine) injection on the spontaneous activity of VTNs, whereas CGRP, SP, or CCK had no effect on the alpha-agonist-induced response. Prior injection of an alpha-adrenergic antagonist (phentolamine) prevented the excitatory effect of NT in the PBN. Injection of CGRP, SP, NT, or CCK into the PBN did not change the response of VTNs to application of glutamate. These results suggest mechanisms for peptide interaction with primary neurotransmitters in the PBN and indicate whether the neuropeptides are acting before the primary neurotransmitter synapse or postsynaptically.

The mechanism by which lipid in the duodenum inhibits gastric emptying was investigated in awake rats fitted with chronic gastric and duodenal cannulas. Perfusion of the duodenum with lipid (Intralipid, 5 and 10%; total amount 50 and 100 mg) caused a significant inhibition (26 and 78%, respectively) of gastric emptying of a nonnutrient liquid (0.9% saline). Functional ablation of the capsaicin-sensitive vagal, but not the spinal, sensory innervation to the upper gastrointestinal tract significantly attenuated by 57% lipid-induced inhibition of gastric emptying. In intact rats, administration of a specific cholecystokinin (CCK)-A receptor antagonist, devazepide, significantly attenuated by 66% the response to lipid. Administration of devazepide in perivagal capsaicin-treated rats did not further reduce the response to lipid. These results suggest that lipid in the duodenum inhibits gastric emptying via a mechanism involving an action of CCK at type A receptors and capsaicin-sensitive vagal afferents.

A cholecystokinin monoclonal antibody (CCK MAb) was used to immunoneutralize CCK to test the hypothesis that CCK produces satiety by an endocrine mechanism. We first characterized the effects of CCK MAb on pancreatic secretion. Conscious rats with jugular vein and bile-pancreatic duct cannulas received CCK MAb or control antibody intravenously 30 min before a 2-h maximal dose of CCK-8 (200 pmol.kg-1.h-1 i.v.) or access to food. CCK MAb caused dose-related inhibition of amylase secretion. CCK MAb (2 mg/kg) completely blocked the response to CCK-8 and inhibited the response to food by 89%. In feeding experiments, rats with free access to food received CCK MAb or control antibodies (2 mg/kg iv) 2 h after lights off. CCK MAb had no effect on 1.5- or 3.5-h food intake. Another group of rats received CCK MAb (4 mg/kg i.v.) or a combined injection of type A and type B CCK receptor antagonists devazepide and L-365,260 (1 mg/kg each i.v.). CCK MAb had no effect on feeding, whereas the receptor antagonists stimulated 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-h intake by 62, 45, 43, and 29%. These results suggest that endogenous CCK stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion at least partially by an endocrine mechanism and produces satiety by a nonendocrine mechanism.

Serotonin (5-HT) produced concentration-dependent contractions of the isolated rat pylorus in vitro. Serotonergic contractions were antagonized by the calcium L-channel blocker, diltiazem, but not by tetrodotoxin or atropine. Three drugs that block 5-HT2 receptors, ketanserin, xylamidine, and methysergide, unsurmountably inhibited contractions to 5-HT. In contrast, antagonists of 5-HT3, 5-HT1A/1B, beta-adrenergic, or alpha 1-adrenergic receptors did not alter the response to 5-HT. Devazepide, an antagonist of cholecystokinin (CCK) type-A receptors, blocked contraction produced by CCK-8 but not by 5-HT. Conversely, the 5-HT2 antagonists did not affect CCK-stimulated contraction. These results suggest that 5-HT contracts the pylorus by a 5-HT2-like receptor on muscle and that this response occurs independently of CCKergic receptor mechanisms. Furthermore, the parallel between the overall pharmacological profile for serotonergic contraction of the pylorus and that observed previously for the anorectic action of peripheral 5-HT makes the pylorus a logical candidate for peripheral serotonergic control of feeding.

These studies compared the effects of total abdominal vagotomy (VGX) on ingestive actions produced by peripheral serotonergic and cholecystokinergic (CCKergic) stimulation in rats. Subcutaneous injection of 0.01-0.16 mumol/kg of the serotonin (5-HT) analogue 5-carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT) dose-dependently reduced mash intake equally in VGX rats and their laparotomized (LAP) controls but concurrently stimulated drinking only in the controls. The sulfated octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK-8, 4.0 nmol/kg ip) also reduced food intake only in the controls. In a second set of rats, vagotomy did not alter anorexia after intraperitoneal administration of either 2.0 or 8.0 mumol/kg of 5-HT or of 0.03 mumol/kg of 5-CT but abolished anorexia after a large dose of CCK-8 (8.0 nmol/kg). The completeness of vagotomy was verified histologically by immunohistochemical staining of the vagal bundles for the high molecular weight form of neurofilament-H protein. We report for the first time that 5-CT produces anorexia by a vagally independent mechanism. In contrast, 5-CT stimulates drinking by a pathway that does involve vagal function. Finally, we confirm the prediction that vagotomy dissociates the neural mechanisms for the anorectic action of peripheral 5-HTergic and CCKergic stimulation.

To examine the mechanism of the satiety-producing effect of cholecystokinin (CCK) in the central nervous system, we compared the potency of intraperitoneally (ip) or intracerebroventricularly (icv) administered CCK-8 and its analogues on food intake in fasted mice. The icv administration of a small dose of CCK-8 (0.03 nmol/brain) or of Suc-(Thr28, Leu29, MePhe33)-CCK-7 (0.001 nmol/brain) suppressed food intake for 20 min, whereas CCK-8 (1 nmol/kg, which is equivalent to 0.03 nmol/brain) or Suc-(Thr28, Leu29, MePhe33)-CCK-7 (1 nmol/kg) had satiety effect after ip administration. Dose-response studies indicated the following rank order of potency: Suc-CCK-7 > or = Suc-(Thr28, Leu29, MePhe33)-CCK-7 > or = CCK-8 > or = (Nle28,31)-CCK-8 >> desulfated CCK-8 = CCK-4 = 0 in the case of ip administration and Suc-(Thr28, Leu29, MePhe33)-CCK-7 >> Suc-CCK-7 > or = CCK-8 > or = (Nle28,31)-CCK-8 >> desulfated CCK-8 = CCK-4 = 0 in the case of icv administration. The selective CCK-A receptor antagonist MK-329 reversed the inhibitory effect of the centrally as well as peripherally administered CCK-8, or of Suc-(Thr28, Leu29, MePhe33)-CCK-7, whereas the selective CCK-B receptor antagonist L-365260 did not. The icv administered CCK-8 did not appear in the peripheral circulation. These findings suggest the participation of CCK-A receptors in the brain in mediating the satiety effect of CCK and the difference in CCK-A receptors in the brain and peripheral tissues.

A role for the brain/gut peptide cholecystokinin (CCK) in the control of gastric emptying has been proposed. In the present studies, we have used a potent type A CCK-receptor antagonist (devazepide) to examine the quantitative contribution of endogenously released CCK in the control of liquid gastric emptying of 100 ml lipid, protein, and carbohydrate test loads in rhesus monkeys. Emptying was studied in conscious monkeys equipped with chronic indwelling gastric cannulas. Prior intragastric administration of devazepide (1.0-320 micrograms/kg) differentially affected the 10-min emptying of glucose (0.125/ml), peptone (4.5%), and Intralipid (4.5%). Glucose emptying was not affected by any dose of the CCK antagonist. The emptying of peptone was accelerated by doses of 10 micrograms/kg or higher. This effect, however, was only partial and plateaued at a dose of 100 micrograms/kg. The gastric emptying of Intralipid was accelerated at a dose of 32 micrograms/kg, and the inhibitory effect of the Intralipid was completely eliminated at a dose of 320 micrograms/kg. At this dose of devazepide, the Intralipid test meal emptied from the stomach at the same rate as physiological saline. These data demonstrate that in rhesus monkeys endogenously released CCK 1) does not play a role in the control of glucose emptying, 2) is a partial mediator of the inhibitory action of peptone on gastric emptying, and 3) is the primary inhibitory mediator in the control of the gastric emptying of Intralipid.

The hypothesis that peripherally administered cholecystokinin C-terminal octapeptide (CCK-8) and endogenous CCK act by the same abdominal vagal mechanism to produce satiety was tested by injecting rats with CCK-8 or the type A CCK receptor antagonist MK-329 after they had received bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomies. CCK-8 (8 nmol/kg ip) inhibited 1-h food intake by 60%; vagotomy and MK-329 (0.5 mg/kg sc) each completely blocked this effect. In contrast, vagotomy did not alter the stimulatory effect of MK-329 (0.5 mg/kg sc) on feeding; 3-h cumulative intake in control and vagotomized animals was increased by 25 and 34%, respectively. These results suggest that satiety is mediated in part by an endogenous CCK action that is independent of abdominal vagal innervation.

We studied the behavioral effects of a novel cholecystokinin tetrapeptide (CCK-4) analogue, A71623, with full agonist activity and high affinity and selectivity for the CCK-A receptor subtype relative to the CCK-B receptor. In tests for anorectic activity, A71623 was found to suppress 60-min intakes of a liquid diet in both deprived and sated rats, and the effects were blocked by a selective CCK-A antagonist, A70104. Compared with CCK-8, A71623 was found to have improved potency and duration of action; the most potent route of administration was intraperitoneal. A71623 also suppressed the intake of a liquid diet and a 0.2 M sucrose solution in lean and obese Zucker rats. In daily injection studies, the anorectic activity of CCK-8 diminished rapidly, whereas the suppressant effects of A71623 on food intakes and body weight gains persisted throughout the 11-day treatment period. Finally, A71623 reduced the spontaneous locomotor activity of rats at doses above those required to suppress intakes. These studies are the first to describe the behavioral effects of a potent and highly selective CCK-A receptor agonist.

The role of cholecystokinin (CCK) in induction and maintenance of pancreatic growth stimulated by a high-protein diet was investigated. Rats adapted to 5% casein diet were switched to 70% casein for 21 days. MK-329, a CCK receptor antagonist, was administered at 2.5 mg.kg-1.day-1 ip, beginning on day zero (day zero treatment) or day 7 (midcourse treatment) of feeding 70% casein and thereafter. Another group was returned to 5% casein after 7 days of feeding 70% casein. Feeding 70% casein significantly stimulated increases of 32, 87, 74, 216, and 1,450% in pancreatic DNA, RNA, wet weight, protein content, and chymotrypsin content, respectively. Midcourse treatment with MK-329 was more effective than day zero treatment, and it completely reversed increases in pancreatic weight and RNA content, partially reversed increases in protein and chymotrypsin content, and had no effect on DNA content. Return to 5% casein rapidly reversed increases in pancreatic parameters, except for DNA. The results indicate that CCK is essential for induction and maintenance of dietary protein-stimulated pancreatic hypertrophy.

To investigate the relative participation of peripheral (CCK-A) and central (CCK-B) cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors in satiety induced by endogenous CCK, we examined the effect of the CCK-A antagonist MK-329 (10-315 micrograms/kg) and the CCK-B antagonist L 365260 (0.1-315 micrograms/kg) on intake of a 20% sucrose solution in mildly food-deprived mice. Intraperitoneal injection of MK-329 elicited a dose-related increase in sucrose consumption with a minimal effective dose of 31.5 micrograms/kg. This dose increased sucrose intake 23% and the highest dose tested, 315 micrograms/kg, increased sucrose intake 63% above baseline. In contrast to MK-329, intraperitoneal administration of L 365260 had no effect on sucrose intake at doses up to 315 micrograms/kg. To examine the contribution of these two CCK receptor subtypes in satiety induced by exogenous CCK, CCK-8 (8 micrograms/kg) was administered alone and in combination with MK-329 and L 365260. MK-329 (10 micrograms/kg) significantly attenuated the satiety effect of CCK-8, and L 365260 (100 micrograms/kg) was without effect. These results suggest that the peripheral CCK receptor subtype mediates satiety induced by endogenous and exogenous CCK in the mouse.

The major objective of this study was to estimate how microvascular changes occur in the intestinal segment in relation to fat absorption and also to assess the role played by cholecystokinin (CCK) in fat-induced intestinal hyperemia. A 12-cm loop of rat middle small intestine was exposed to a 120-min infusion of oleic acid micelle solution containing [14C]oleic acid. Time-course changes of vascular diameter and red blood cell (RBC) velocity of submucosal arterioles, venules, and periglandular and muscular capillaries were determined simultaneously in their different order of branching by using intravital microscopy equipped with a high-speed video camera system. Lymphatic transport of oleic acid was also monitored by collecting lymph from intestinal lymphatics. The instillation of micelle produced significant dilatation of submucosal arterioles and venules and significant increase in RBC velocity in submucosal microvessels and periglandular capillaries at 15 to 30 min after the fat instillation. This corresponds well to the appearance of [14C]oleic acid in intestinal lymph. This microvascular dilatation and RBC velocity increase continued throughout the exposure to fat and started to attenuate 30 min after restoration to saline infusion. There was also heterogeneity in microvascular responses among different orders of branches to fat administration, and RBC velocity increase was not observed in muscular capillaries. Local intra-arterial infusion of CCK inhibitor, loxiglumide (CR 1505, 10 mg.kg-1.h-1), significantly attenuated both fat-induced microvascular dilatation and RBC velocity increase but not the fat absorptive function. Our results indicate that CCK plays a significant role in intestinal hyperemia induced by fat absorption. However, CCK-mediated intestinal microvascular change was not a prerequisite for fat absorption.

Recent work has suggested a role for an endogenous release of cholecystokinin (CCK) acting at either type A or type B CCK receptors in the control of food intake. In an effort to investigate whether the mechanisms by which exogenously administered and endogenously released CCK inhibits food intake are similar and depend upon interactions with either type A or type B CCK receptors, we examined in rats the ability of the type A (L 364718) and type B (L 365260) CCK receptor antagonists to 1) block the inhibition of glucose consumption produced by an intraperitoneal injection of 4 micrograms/kg of CCK and 2) increase glucose consumption in the absence of exogenous CCK after a 6-h daytime deprivation. Increasing dosages (10-100 micrograms/kg) of the type A CCK antagonist resulted in a dose-related blockade of the inhibition of intake produced by CCK, and the 100 micrograms/kg dose of the A antagonist significantly increased glucose intake above baseline levels. In contrast, no dose (10-1,000 micrograms/kg) of the B antagonist blocked the inhibitory action of exogenous CCK at any time point. In the absence of exogenous CCK, the 32 and 100 micrograms/kg doses of L 364718 increased intake above baseline levels. No dose (3.2-320 micrograms/kg) of the type B antagonist, L 365260, affected intake in this paradigm. These results suggest that the mediation of the feeding-inhibitory effects of exogenous and endogenous CCK are similar and depend upon activation of type A CCK receptors.

To determine the relative contributions of neural reflexes and intestinal hormones to the inhibition of gastric acid secretion by intestinal acidification, rats with an extrinsically denervated, transplanted segment of jejunum, and those with an innervated segment of jejunum, were studied. Postoperatively, meal-stimulated gastric acid secretion was measured. When the acid secretory response to intragastric liver extract reached a plateau, graded concentrations of hydrochloric acid or saline were instilled into the jejunal segments. Gastric acid secretion was inhibited by intrajejunal acid (pH 2.5) by 79% in the innervated rats and by 64% in the transplanted group. Thus at a pH of 2.5 there was a 15% greater maximum inhibition of plateau acid response in the innervated rats than in the transplanted rats, presumably because of the extrinsic neural contribution. To examine the hormonal mediators, the effects of a somatostatin monoclonal antibody and a CCK-A receptor antagonist (L 364718) on acid-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion were studied in transplanted rats. Treatment with a somatostatin monoclonal antibody or with L 364718 reduced the acid-induced (pH 2.5) inhibition of gastric acid secretion by 93 and 27%, respectively. Jejunal acidification inhibits gastric acid secretion in the rat by both neural and hormonal mechanisms. The hormonal mechanism is mediated by somatostatin and CCK.

To evaluate the physiological role of cholecystokinin (CCK) in humans, we studied the influence of the specific CCK receptor antagonist loxiglumide (CR 1505) on gallbladder contraction, pancreatic enzyme output, plasma CCK concentrations, mouth-to-cecum transit time (MCTT), stool weight, and fecal fat excretion. Infusion of CCK-8, producing CCK plasma levels of 10-12 pmol/l, decreased gallbladder volume to 21% of the initial volume (P less than 0.01) and increased bilirubin output 8- to 10-fold and pancreatic enzyme secretion 2- to 4-fold. Infusion of loxiglumide (10 mg.kg-1.h-1 iv) abolished CCK-8-stimulated enzyme and bilirubin output. Basal gallbladder volume increased 68% during loxiglumide infusion (P less than 0.001) and 137% (P less than 0.001) after 7 days of oral loxiglumide treatment (3 x 1.6 g/day). Gallbladder contraction and bilirubin output in response to the intraduodenal instillation of a liquid meal (382 kcal) was completely inhibited by loxiglumide; gallbladder volume even increased 45% postprandially during loxiglumide infusion (P less than 0.02) and 145% after long-term loxiglumide treatment (P less than 0.001). Meal-stimulated pancreatic enzyme output was diminished 46-53% after acute and 25-29% after chronic administration of loxiglumide. Meal-stimulated integrated plasma CCK-immunoreactive (CCK-ir) concentrations, determined by RIA, were 3.2-fold higher during loxiglumide infusion (P less than 0.02); plateau CCK levels were markedly elevated (10.1 +/- 1.4 vs. 3.7 +/- 0.5 pM). Plasma CCK-like bioactivity, measured by a sensitive bioassay, was identical to CCK-ir levels in the absence of loxiglumide; in the presence of loxiglumide, no circulating CCK-like bioactivity was detectable, indicating complete inhibition of plasma CCK. MCTT was augmented 24% (P less than 0.05). Oral treatment with loxiglumide increased stool weight 72% (P less than 0.01) and fecal fat excretion 186% (P less than 0.001). In conclusion, 1) meal-induced gallbladder contraction and fasting tone are primarily controlled by CCK; 2) the contribution of CCK to the intestinal phase of postprandial pancreatic enzyme secretion is 40-50%; 3) GI motility and absorption are partially controlled by CCK; and 4) postprandial CCK secretion is substantially augmented by loxiglumide via an unknown mechanism.

The effects of luminal bile salts on plasma levels of cholecystokinin (CCK) and growth of the pancreas in mice were studied. Nonfasting levels of plasma CCK in control mice were 8.1 +/- 1.5 pM. Feeding mice a 0.5% (wt/wt) sodium taurocholate-supplemented diet for 1 wk significantly lowered nonfasting levels of plasma CCK to 4.1 +/- 0.5 pM and decreased the total contents of pancreatic DNA by 22%, RNA by 25%, and protein by 24%. All of the inhibitory effects of taurocholate on pancreatic growth were completely reversed by the simultaneous administration of CCK-8 (3 micrograms/kg, 3 times daily). In contrast, intraluminal neutralization of endogenous bile salts by feeding a 4% (wt/wt) cholestyramine-supplemented diet for 1 wk significantly elevated nonfasting levels of plasma CCK to 14.7 +/- 1.5 pM and increased the total contents of pancreatic DNA by 34%, RNA by 40%, and protein by 35%. All of the stimulatory actions of cholestyramine on pancreatic growth were completely abolished by the administration of the highly potent and specific CCK-receptor antagonist L364,718 (1 mg/kg, twice daily). These findings, therefore, indicate that bile salts appear to play a physiological role in pancreatic growth by regulation of plasma levels of CCK.

Controversy continues over the relative contributions made by hormonal and neural mechanisms in the exocrine pancreatic response to ingested food. The recent description of the drug proglumide as a specific, competitive cholecystokinin (CCK)/gastrin receptor antagonist has permitted reevaluation of the role of CCK in this process. In chronic pancreatic fistula dogs, dose-response studies were performed to determine the effect of proglumide on the pancreatic responses to octapeptide of CCK (CCK-OP), intravenous bethanechol, intraduodenal amino acids, and intraduodenal fat. Pancreatic volume, protein, and bicarbonate outputs to all doses of CCK-OP were inhibited significantly (P less than 0.05) in a competitive manner, consistent with the proposed mode of action of proglumide. In contrast, proglumide caused only minor and insignificant inhibition of the output responses to intravenous bethanechol. Virtually complete inhibition to all doses of intraduodenal amino acids and fat was observed with proglumide administration. If indeed proglumide is a specific CCK receptor antagonist, these results support the hypothesis that CCK is the major mediator of the intestinal phase of exocrine pancreatic secretion.

Previous studies have shown that trypsin and chymotrypsin in the duodenum exert a negative-feedback regulation on pancreatic enzyme secretion in the rat. The mechanism responsible for this physiological phenomenon is unknown. By use of a specific and sensitive bioassay based on amylase release from isolated pancreatic acini, the role of cholecystokinin in the negative-feedback regulation of exocrine pancreatic secretion was examined. Rats were prepared with duodenal cannulas and pancreaticobiliary cannulas. Diversion of pancreaticobiliary juice resulted in a threefold increase in pancreatic protein output and an increase of plasma cholecystokinin from a basal level of 0.5 +/- 0.08 pM cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) to 16 +/- 4 pM CCK-8. Perfusion of trypsin (2 mg/h) or pancreaticobiliary juice returned pancreatic protein output to basal levels and plasma cholecystokinin to 2.1 +/- 1.2 and 0.33 +/- 0.1 pM, respectively. The inhibitory effect of trypsin on cholecystokinin release was enzyme and site specific, since inhibition of cholecystokinin release was not observed with perfusion of amylase into the duodenum or with trypsin into the ileum. Intravenous infusion of proglumide abolished the increase in pancreatic secretion following diversion of pancreaticobiliary juice. Intraduodenal perfusion of lidocaine, infusion of tetrodotoxin into the superior mesenteric artery, or intravenous infusion of atropine inhibited the rise in plasma cholecystokinin seen with diversion of pancreaticobiliary juice. These studies suggest that feedback regulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion in the rat is mediated by release of cholecystokinin. Furthermore, the feedback mechanism is neurally mediated, involving a cholinergic pathway.

To investigate the hypothesized inhibitory effect of cholecystokinin (CCK) released from the small intestine on food intake and gastric emptying, we infused soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI) into the stomach or duodenum of male rats deprived of food for 17 h. Intraduodenal infusions of STI (100-200 mg) before real or sham feeding, or during sham feeding, had no effect on food intake. Intragastric infusions of STI (100-200 mg) also had no effect on gastric emptying. Identical infusions of STI, however, increased bioassayable plasma CCK six to ninefold. The failure of endogenous, small intestinal CCK released by STI to decrease food intake or to decrease gastric emptying is evidence against the hypothesis that the inhibitions of food intake and of gastric emptying are physiological functions of small intestinal CCK in food-deprived rats. In contrast to the negative results with STI, administration of exogenous CCK-8 (2-4 micrograms/kg ip) significantly inhibited food intake and gastric emptying despite producing smaller increases of plasma CCK than STI produced. The reason for the differential effects of exogenous and endogenous CCK is not clear and requires further investigation.

The gastrointestinal peptide hormones, gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK), display four molecular characteristics. 1) Homology. Sequences of the primary structures are identical. Because the identity comprises the active site, the homology is functionally important. The homology reflects evolution from a common ancestor. 2) Heterogeneity. Each hormone exists in different molecular forms in any single species. The heterogeneity comprises both variations in lengths of the polypeptide backbone, "macroheterogeneity," and derivatizations of single amino acid residues, "microheterogeneity." Both types of modification govern the biological potency. The heterogeneity reflects enzymatic modifications of the primary ribosomal translation product. 3) Ubiquity. Each hormone is synthetized in different cell types, which are localized in gastrointestinal as well as extra-gastrointestinal tissues. The cell type determines the route by which the active peptide(s) reaches its target, either via blood (endocrine secretion) or by local release (neurocrine and paracrine secretion). Inasmuch as all cells contain gastrin and CCK genes, the variable expression probably reflects differentiation in development of the posttranscriptional biosynthetic machinery. 4) Differential principality. In different tissues and cells, different molecular forms may predominate. Moreover, one form is more potent with respect to one effect (e.g., CCK-8 in relation to pancreatic exocrine secretion), whereas another form (CCK-4) is more potent with respect to another effect (pancreatic endocrine secretion). Together the differential principality and secretory routes (blood borne or local) ensure that gastrin and CCK peptides regulate their targets with optimal effect in spite of the heterogeneity and wide distribution, which otherwise might cause disturbing interactions and subsequent inefficacy. The key to a better understanding of the basis characteristics is knowledge about the evolution and expression of the structural gene(s) for gastrin and CCK. Acquisition of such knowledge will be of considerable value, since available evidence suggests that the gastrin-CCK system is a good model for general features of regulatory peptides.

To test the capability of the pancreas to change the proportions of proteins secreted in response to acute stimulation, we examined the effect of cholecystokinin-pancreozymin stimulation on the relative discharge of 16 radiolabeled secretory proteins from the in vitro rabbit pancreatic gland. [35S]-methionine was added to the bathing medium 4 h prior to the experimental period. Secretion was then collected from the pancreatic duct for two 1-h basal periods and for two 20-min periods following stimulation with 5.1 mM cholecystokinin. Proteins were separated by two-dimensional isoelectric focusing/sodium dodecyl sulfate gradient gel electrophoresis, and the proportion of each radiolabeled protein in the secretion was determined in each period. Statistical analysis of the relative distribution of radioactive proteins in secretion showed an increased variability in the distribution of secreted proteins following stimulation (P < 0.005). Procarboxypeptidase A, a protein tentatively identified as an acidic form of chymotrypsinogen, and a basic form of chymotrypsinogen were significantly more stimulated than the average radiolabeled protein by 25, 31, and 17%, respectively, whereas the acidic form of trypsinogen was significantly less stimulated by 18%.

Pancreatic exocrine secretion was evoked by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerves (EVS) in dogs to determine whether a gut hormone was responsible for the pancreatic stimulatory activity. In 39 dogs, pancreatic juice was continuously collected to measure volume, bicarbonate, and amylase output, while portal and femoral venous plasma concentrations of gastrin, cholecystokinin (CCK), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) were determined by radioimmunoassay. EVS produced a significant increase in the pancreatic secretion. Although concentrations of all four peptides significantly increased in plasma, only CCK at the concentration in venous circulation was bioactive in dispersed rat pancreatic acini preparations. This bioactivity of CCK was completely blocked by CR 1409, a CCK-receptor antagonist. The pancreatic secretion by EVS was reduced significantly by intravenous MK-329 (formerly L364,718) to as low as 22% of control values and was completely suppressed by intravenous atropine. The increment in plasma CCK by EVS was also significantly suppressed by atropine. The present study indicates that increased pancreatic secretion by EVS is in part mediated by endogenous CCK.

Amylase secretion and plasma cholecystokinin (CCK) were measured in dogs in the interdigestive state and after exogenous CCK-8 and CCK-39 (12.5 to 400 pmol.kg-1.h-1), intestinal sodium oleate, tryptophan plus phenylalanine, HCl (0.74, 2.2, 6.7, 20 mmol/h), and a meat meal (20 g/kg). Interdigestive plasma CCK did not vary, although amylase output showed periodic 15-fold increases. Plasma CCK increased linearly after doubling doses of CCK-8 and CCK-39; the slope of plasma CCK-39 vs. dose was 2.8 times steeper than that of CCK-8, suggesting a longer circulating half-life. At similar plasma concentrations, CCK-8 and CCK-39 were equipotent for stimulating pancreatic secretion. Sodium oleate and tryptophan plus phenylalanine significantly increased plasma CCK and amylase secretion in a load-dependent pattern and were equipotent for both effects. HCl stimulated bicarbonate secretion but not plasma CCK or amylase secretion. Food significantly increased plasma CCK and amylase secretion. Amylase responses to intestinal stimulants and food were significantly greater than to exogenous CCK at low plasma CCK levels. Maximal amylase responses to intestinal stimulants were similar to that after CCK-39 but occurred at 10-fold lower plasma CCK levels. These results indicate that CCK and other factors interact to regulate pancreatic responses to food and intestinal stimulants in dogs.