Simultaneous changes in pancreatic and gastric secretion induced by acute intravenous ethanol infusion. Effect of atropine and reserpine

The simultaneous effects of acute i.v. ethanol administration (1.3 gm./kg.) on pancreatic and gastric acid secretion was studied on dogs provided with chronic pancreatic and gastric fistulas (Thomas cannula) and subjected to a continuous i.v. injection of GIH secretin (0.5 CU./kg./hr.) and gastrin (Eurorga hog gastrin I-II, 6 gamma/kg./hr.). Acute i.v. ethanol inhibits the pancreatic secretion of protein (concentration and output) and stimulates gastric acid secretion. Experiments were repeated: 1. Superimposing an atropine infusion (1.0 mg./hr.) on the continuous hormonal perfusion. 2. After reserpine administration for 48 hours (0.10 mg./kg./24 hr.) Atropine abolished the ethanol-mediated inhibition of pancreatic protein secretion but did not prevent the alcohol-mediated gastric acid stimulation. Reserpine did not change the ethanol-mediated pancreatic inhibition. It is assumed that in nonalcoholic dogs, i.v. ethanol inhibits pancreatic secretion by an intermediate nervous mechanism and enhances gastric acid secretion by acting directly on the oxyntic cells. Reserpine induces a high plateau level of HCl secretion which obscures the ethanol-mediated excitatory influences on the oxyntic cells.