Human pancreatic polypeptide, neuropeptide Y and peptide YY reduce the contractile motility by depressing the release of acetylcholine from the myenteric plexus of the guinea pig ileum

Transmural stimulation (TS; 15 V, 0.5 msec, 1-5 Hz, for 30 sec) caused a contraction in a frequency-dependent manner of the longitudinal muscle with myenteric plexus of the guinea pig ileum. Two-min premedication with human pancreatic polypeptide (HPP, 10(-8) M-10(-6) M), neuropeptide Y (NPY, 10(-8) M-10(-6) M), and peptide YY (PYY, 10(-8) M-10(-6) M) partially, by less than 35%, reduced TS (15 V, 0.5 msec, 10 Hz)-evoked contraction in a dose-dependent manner without affecting the resting tensions. Hexamethonium, phentolamine, prazocine, yohimbine, propranolol, naloxone and theophylline had no effects on the inhibitory actions of these peptides on TS-evoked contractions. TS (15 V, 0.5 msec, 10 Hz)-evoked 3H-ACh release was significantly reduced by 2-min premedication of HPP (10(-6) M), NPY (10(-6) M) and PYY (10(-6) M). The order of potency of these depressant effects on TS-evoked contraction and 3H-ACh release was PYY greater than NPY greater than HPP. It is suggested that the members of PP family have inhibitory effects on the contractile motility by depressing ACh release from myenteric plexus of the guinea pig ileum.

Effects of rat pancreatic polypeptide on islet-cell secretion in the perfused rat pancreas

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) secretory cells are abundant in the islets of Langerhans. Results concerning the effects of exogenous PP on islet-cell secretion are controversial. This might be due in part to species specificity, given that most reports refer to studies performed using PP of bovine, porcine, or human origin in a heterologous animal model. Thus, we have investigated the influence of synthetic rat PP (80 nmol/L) on unstimulated insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin release, and on the responses of these hormones to glucose (11 mmol/L) and to arginine (3.5 mmol/L) in a homologous animal model, the perfused rat pancreas. Infusion of rat PP (rPP) reduced unstimulated insulin release by 35% (P = .03), and the insulin responses to glucose by 65% (P = .029) and to arginine by 50% (P = .026), without modifying glucagon output. rPP did not affect somatostatin secretion, either in unstimulated conditions or in the presence of 11 mmol/L glucose. However, it induced a clear-cut increase in somatostatin release during 3.5 mmol/L arginine infusion. Our observation that rPP inhibited insulin secretion without affecting glucagon and somatostatin output points to a direct effect of PP on B-cell function. However, during aminogenic priming of the D cell, the inhibition of insulin output induced by rPP was accompanied by an increase in somatostatin release. Thus, in this circumstance, it might be considered that the blocking effect of PP on B-cell secretion could be, at least in part, mediated by a D-cell paracrine effect.

Central and peripheral effects of sculpin pancreatic polypeptide and anglerfish peptide Y in rats

Sculpin pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and anglerfish peptide Y (aPY-amide) are 36-residue peptide amides isolated from the pancreas of the respective species of fish. They are 86% homologous, and exhibit about 65% homology to porcine neuropeptide Y (NPY) and peptide YY (PYY). This homology to mammalian peptides suggests that the fish peptides may constitute a good model system for structure-activity investigations. We therefore synthesized sculpin PP and aPY-amide by the solid phase method and investigated their central and peripheral effects on feeding and blood pressure, respectively. These investigations revealed that both peptides, like NPY, increased blood pressure and induced feeding in rats, presumably by interacting with receptors of NPY. Although there were comparable responses to both peptides on feeding, aPY-amide exhibited a more potent pressor effect than sculpin PP. These observations suggest that the central and peripheral effects of NPY may be mediated by different subclasses of NPY receptors.

Effects of gastro-entero-pancreatic hormones upon triglyceride synthesis and secretion by rat hepatocytes

To ascertain whether certain gastro-entero-pancreatic hormones whose concentration in blood rises after ingestion of food could play a role in the elevation of plasma triglycerides (or hepatic triglyceride secretion) observed after oral vs parenteral feeding, studies were undertaken of their acute effects upon triglyceride synthesis and release by freshly isolated rat hepatocytes in vitro. The incorporation of radiopalmitate into hepatocyte triglycerides was significantly increased, by one-fourth to one-half, by each of pancreatic polypeptide, peptide YY, and an intermediate concentration (0.50 microgram/mL) of somatostatin. However, at a lower concentration (0.25 microgram/mL) somatostatin significantly decreased (by 14%) the incorporation of radiopalmitate into hepatocyte triglycerides. Release of labelled triglycerides from hepatocytes into the medium was significantly enhanced by both gastric inhibitory polypeptide (by 31%) and pancreatic polypeptide (22%), but was significantly reduced (by 28%) by somatostatin at a concentration of 1 microgram/mL. Neurotensin produced no detectable effect. Although there were similarities between the active hormones, each had a unique overall pattern of response on triglyceride synthesis and release and individually, or in concert with other hormones, could modulate hepatic triglyceride production and secretion, thereby explaining the differential effects of oral vs parenteral feeding on plasma triglycerides.

Presynaptic inhibitory effects of the peptides NPY, PYY and PP on nicotinic EPSPs in guinea-pig gastric myenteric neurones

1. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), peptide YY (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) affect gastrointestinal effector systems. Although their precise mode of action is unknown it is suggested that their effects are partly mediated by enteric neurones. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of NPY, PYY, avian PP (aPP) and bovine PP (bPP) on the electrophysiological behaviour of gastric myenteric neurones using intracellular recording methods. 2. In all thirty-one neurones tested, electrical stimulation of interganglionic fibre tracts evoked cholinergic, nicotinic fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs). NPY, PYY and bPP (10-500 nM) inhibited the fEPSPs in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, these peptides reversibly abolished spontaneously occurring nicotinic fEPSPs. None of the peptides exhibited any effect on the response to exogenously applied acetylcholine or on the postsynaptic excitability of the neurones. The inhibitory effects on the fEPSPs could not be reversed by perfusion of the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist, phentolamine (1 microM). 3. In contrast, aPP had no significant effect on fEPSPs even when perfused at the high concentration of 1 microM. 4. The results suggest that NPY, PYY and bPP, but not aPP, act presynaptically to inhibit acetylcholine release from myenteric neurones of the gastric corpus, thereby suppressing fEPSPs. The study indicates a modulatory role for NPY, PYY and bPP in synaptic interactions within the enteric nervous system.

Total denervation of the pancreas does not alter the pancreatic polypeptide-induced inhibition of pancreatic exocrine secretion in dogs

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is a potent inhibitor of pancreatic exocrine secretion in vivo. The mechanism of pancreatic inhibition by PP is unknown, but the absence of PP receptors on pancreatic exocrine cells makes a direct effect of this hormone on the gland unlikely. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that PP exerts its inhibitory effect via extrinsic neural pathways. Ten dogs with gastric and pancreatic fistulas were given an intravenous infusion of 250 ng/kg-1 h-1 secretin and 50 ng/kg-1 h-1 caerulein over 3 h. One hour after starting the infusion, 400 pmol kg-1 h-1 porcine PP were administered over 1 h. Pancreatic bicarbonate and protein secretions were measured. Later, the pancreas was extrinsically denervated. PP infusion decreased bicarbonate secretion in the intact gland by 47% and in the denervated pancreas by 57%. Protein secretion was diminished by exogenous PP by 31% in the intact and by 44% in the denervated pancreas. Despite pancreatic denervation, PP still exerted a significant inhibitory effect. Atropine infusion completely blocked the inhibitory effect of PP on caerulein-stimulated pancreatic protein secretion both in the intact and denervated pancreas and of secretion-evoked bicarbonate output in the denervated gland. We conclude that the inhibitory action of the hormone is not mediated via extrinsic neural pathways of the pancreas, but PP may exert its effect via intrinsic atropine-sensitive mechanisms.

Pancreatic polypeptide and peptide YY inhibit the denervated canine pancreas

Pancreatic polypeptide and peptide YY are inhibitors of pancreatic exocrine secretion in vivo but not in vitro, which suggests secondarily mediated mechanism(s) of action. To determine the role of extrinsic neural and intrinsic cholinergic elements on this inhibitory effect, a total of nine dogs underwent two-stage extrapancreatic denervation and creation of a chronic pancreatic fistula. After recovery, pancreatic polypeptide or peptide YY (400 pmol/kg/h) was administered during the intermediate hour of a 3-hour secretion (125 ng/kg/h)/cholecystokinin (50 ng/kg/h) infusion. Exocrine secretion pancreatic polypeptide or peptide YY hours was compared with that of the first and third hours. The studies were then repeated during infusion of atropine (10 micrograms/kg/h). Despite extrinsic denervation, pancreatic polypeptide and peptide YY significantly inhibited secretin/cholecystokinin-induced pancreatic output. Although less profound, significant inhibition persisted in the presence of an atropine background. Pancreatic polypeptide or peptide YY infusion also decreased the exocrine response to meal stimulation. We conclude that the inhibitory effects of pancreatic polypeptide and peptide YY are not mediated by extrapancreatic, and possibly not by intrapancreatic cholinergic, neural pathways.

Effect of pancreatic polypeptide, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and glucagon on plasma amino acid uptake by human pancreas

The effects of pancreatic polypeptide, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and glucagon on plasma amino acid uptake by the exocrine pancreas were studied in 12 healthy volunteers aged 22-31 years. Pancreatic amino acid uptake was determined by measuring free plasma amino acid concentration before and during pancreatic stimulation with cerulein (50 ng/kg.h). The administration of this peptide caused a significant decrease (by 14%-20%) in plasma amino acid concentration. Pancreatic polypeptide and thyrotropin-releasing hormone, given at respective doses of 195 pmol/kg.h and 2 micrograms/kg.h, significantly prevented this decrease by 79.3% and 55.8%, respectively. Glucagon, administered at a dose of 7.5 micrograms/kg.h, significantly augmented (by 68.8%) the decreasing effect of cerulein on plasma amino acid concentration. In 2 patients with severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, cerulein had no effect on the concentration of plasma amino acids, whereas the addition of glucagon caused a marked decrease. The results indicate that pancreatic polypeptide and thyrotropin-releasing hormone are able to inhibit plasma amino acid uptake by pancreatic acinar cells; this inhibitory effect could be a mechanism by which these peptides decrease pancreatic enzyme secretion. Glucagon does not seem to affect pancreatic amino acid uptake, at least not under the experimental conditions of this study. The decrease in plasma amino acid concentration following glucagon administration was likely the result of the stimulation of amino acid uptake by extrapancreatic tissues by this peptide.

Comparison of the effects of neuropeptide Y and noradrenaline on rat gastric mucosal blood flow and integrity

1. The effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and noradrenaline on rat gastric mucosal blood flow, as estimated by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), have been examined. In addition, the ability of NPY and noradrenaline to induce acute mucosal haemorrhagic damage has also been assessed. 2. Close-arterial infusion of NPY (0.05-0.2 nmol kg-1 min-1) for 10 min in the anaesthetized rat induced a dose-dependent fall in LDF, but had minimal effects on systemic arterial blood pressure. Higher doses of NPY did not produce any further reduction in LDF. 3. Close-arterial infusion (0.1-0.4 nmol kg-1 min-1) of the structurally related peptide YY (PYY) or pancreatic polypeptide (PP), had inconsistent actions in decreasing LDF. 4. Close-arterial infusion of noradrenaline (30-90 nmol kg-1 min-1) dose-dependently reduced gastric LDF. 5. Local infusion of NPY (0.1 and 0.2 nmol kg-1 min-1) or noradrenaline (45 and 60 nmol kg-1 min-1) resulted in dose-related increases in the area of mucosal hemorrhagic damage. 6. Pretreatment with the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin (0.1 mg kg-1, i.v.) significantly reduced the effect of noradrenaline, but not NPY, on both LDF and mucosal damage. 7. These findings indicate that NPY and noradrenaline act directly on the gastric microvasculature to induce vasoconstriction and both can induce acute mucosal damage. Therefore endogenous NPY, like noradrenaline could play a modulatory role in regulating vascular tone and may influence mucosal integrity.

Molecular modeling and dynamics of biologically active peptides: application to neuropeptide Y

A methodology is presented to allow results from molecular dynamics simulations to be combined with pharmacological binding and activity measurements in order to study the structure-function relationships of neuropeptide Y. This approach is a general one and should also be applicable to other peptides for which stable structures are known to exist in solution. The basis of the method is the calculation of energetically stable structures via a simulate and test approach. This approach uses molecular dynamics simulations to search conformational space in order to find low potential energy structures. The energetic stability of the structures is then tested via additional simulations. Once energetic stability has been achieved, perturbations of the structure may be performed via molecular modeling. The simulate and test approach is then used to obtain energetically stable structures for the perturbed compound. Comparison between the energetically stable starting and perturbed structures can then be made concerning both structural and dynamic changes. By using an energetically stable structure prior to the perturbation, the assumption can be made that the calculated differences are primarily due to the perturbation rather than to one or both of the structures reaching a more energetically favorable state. It should be emphasized that the calculations are being performed employing a limited physical model such that the influence of that model on the observed results must always be taken into account.

Neuropeptide Y receptor in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells: ligand binding and increase in cytosolic free Ca2+

We have previously shown that neuropeptide Y (NPY) increases cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) in porcine aortic smooth muscle cells. In this study, specific NPY receptor binding sites were identified in the cells by use of [125I]Bolton-Hunter NPY [( 125I]BH-NPY). Binding was to a single population of the sites with a Kd of 1.1 +/- 0.2 nM and a Bmax of 0.68 +/- 0.10 pmol/mg protein. [125I]BH-NPY binding was displaced by NPY-related peptides including members of the pancreatic polypeptide (PP) family. The potency of these peptides other than human PP for displacing [125I]BH-NPY binding was substantially consistent with their potency for increasing [Ca2+]i. Human PP had no effect on [Ca2+]i even at 10(-5) M, but it inhibited the NPY-induced increase in [Ca2+]i with a potency comparable to that for displacing [125I]BH-NPY binding. NPY(13-36) was about 500 and 300 times less effective than porcine NPY in increasing [Ca2+]i and in displacing [125I]BH-NPY binding, respectively, showing that the NPY receptor in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells is of the Y1-type.

Structure-function studies on neuropeptide Y and pancreatic polypeptide--evidence for two PP-fold receptors in vas deferens

The biological effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY), rat pancreatic polypeptide (rPP), hybrid analogs of NPY and PP, and C-terminal fragments of NPY were studied in the field-stimulated rat vas deferens model. The results were correlated with peptide binding experiments in Y1 and PP receptor assays on rat PC-12 cells and Y2 receptors on porcine hippocampal membranes. NPY and rPP inhibited the electrically induced contractions in the vas deferens with an IC50 of 25 and 22 nM respectively. However, in contrast to NPY, rPP could not totally block muscle activity. The inhibitory action of the long C-terminal fragment of NPY, NPY-(19-36) and NPY-(11-36), indicated that NPY acts through a Y2 receptor in the vas deferens. The structural basis for the differential recognition of NPY and PP by Y2 receptors and partly also by PP receptors, could be defined with hybrid analogs of PP and NPY. The analogs, [Ile31,Gln34]PP and [Leu31,Pro33]NPY reacted in the vas deferens preparation in accordance with their relative potency in the Y2 and PP receptor assays. [Ile31,Gln34]PP, which bound to the Y2 receptor like NPY, was also able to block the part of the contractile response which was resistant to rPP. It is concluded that in the vas deferens, PP-fold peptides act through two types of receptors: Y2 and PP, and that residues in the C-terminal part of the molecules determine the differential recognition of the peptides by these receptor types.

Salmon pancreatic polypeptide exhibits neuropeptide Y-like activities in rats

Salmon pancreatic polypeptide (sPP) is a 36 residue peptide amide isolated from salmon pancreas. It has 83% sequence identity with porcine neuropeptide Y (NPY). To confirm the sequence and obtain sufficient quantity of peptide for biological investigations, sPP was synthesized by automated t-Boc solid phase synthesis. The purified product had the expected amino acid composition, primary structure and mass, and was chemically and biologically indistinguishable from natural sPP. Investigation of its biological properties revealed that, like NPY, sPP increased blood pressure and decreased heart rate in anesthetized rats in a dose-dependent manner. There was no significant difference in the responses of NPY and sPP. Furthermore, administration of sPP directly into the hypothalamus of rats induced a feeding response comparable to that induced by NPY. Based on these investigations it may be suggested that synthetic and natural sPP are identical, and that sPP can express NPY-like activities in mammals presumably by interacting with the receptors of NPY.

The effect of pancreatic polypeptide infusion on glucose tolerance and insulin response in longitudinally studied pancreatitis-induced diabetes

Glucose intolerance is often associated with pancreatitis. Pancreatitis-induced diabetes represents a different clinical syndrome than type I and type II diabetes mellitus. Patients with pancreatitis-induced diabetes may be extremely sensitive to exogenous insulin, rarely develop ketoacidosis, and rarely exhibit classic diabetic complications, such as retinopathy, nephropathy, or accelerated vasculopathy. Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) deficiency has been implicated in the defect of glucose homeostasis found after pancreatitis. This study evaluated intravenous and oral glucose tolerance and insulin response to glucose loading, in the setting of pancreatitis, with and without short-term PP replacement. Dogs (n = 7) underwent pancreatic duct ligation (PDL) and were studied with and without PP infusion (2 micrograms/kg/hr) before PDL and at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 4 months after PDL by means of intravenous and oral glucose tolerance tests. Basal and bombesin-stimulated PP levels at 4 months after PDL were subnormal, verifying PP deficiency in these animals with pancreatitis. PP levels during PP infusion reproduced normal postcibal levels, averaging 897 +/- 40 pg/ml. Glucose tolerance, expressed as the glucose decay constant for the intravenous glucose tolerance tests and as the integrated glucose response for the oral glucose tolerance tests, deteriorated over time and was not improved by acute PP replacement. The integrated insulin response to glucose was not affected by PP. The acute infusion of PP at a dose that reproduces normal postprandial PP levels fails to improve glucose tolerance or augment insulin release in this model of pancreatitis-induced diabetes.

Inhibitory effects of neuropeptide Y on sympathetic neurotransmission in the rabbit iris-ciliary body

Neuropeptide Y (NPY, 1-300 nM) mediated a concentration-dependent inhibition of field stimulation-evoked [3H]norepinephrine (NE) overflow from the isolated, superfused rabbit iris-ciliary body. At equimolar concentrations (100 nM), the homologous neuropeptide peptide YY (PYY) mimicked the effects of NPY, whereas pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and the C-terminal fragment of NPY did not modify [3H]NE release. NPY-induced inhibition of [3H]NE release was unaffected by pretreatment of tissues with atropine (100 nM) plus yohimbine (100 nM) and was non-additive with the maximal prejunctional effects of carbamycholine or clonidine, indicating that NPY acts independently of prejunctional muscarinic or alpha 2-adrenergic receptor activity to reduce [3H]NE overflow. It is concluded that NPY is a specific, potent modulator of adrenergic neurosecretion in the rabbit iris-ciliary body. These findings confirm the role of NPY as a co-transmitter at ocular sympathetic neuroeffector junctions, either mimicking or augmenting the actions of endogenously released norepinephrine.

Effects of pancreatic polypeptide on biliary flow and bile acid secretion stimulated by secretin and cholecystokinin in the conscious pig

Fourteen castrated male Large White pigs, weighing 42.5 +/- 1.0 kg, were fitted with biliary and duodenal fistulae for biliary secretion studies. Furthermore, catheters were placed in a carotid artery for blood sampling and in a jugular vein for peptide infusion. Bile was automatically restituted to the animals and continuously sampled for analysis on experimental days. Following an 8 day recovery period, infusion studies were performed after an overnight fast. After a 30 min basal period, sustained biliary flow and bile acid output were obtained and maintained throughout the assay with secretin (36 pmol/kg/h) and CCK-8 (600 pmol/kg/h) infusion. Then, 200, 400, 600, 800 or 1200 pmol/kg/h of porcine pancreatic polypeptide (PP) were infused for 60 min. Secretin plus CCK infusion was continued for 1 h after PP infusion was stopped. Each dose of PP was given on a separate day. Biliary flow was not affected by PP except for the dose of 400 pmol/kg/h. On the contrary, bile acid concentration and output decreased with the lowest dose of PP (200 pmol/kg/h). As soon as the first dose of PP was infused, bile acid concentration and output fell to about 60% of values obtained with secretin plus CCK. Plasma levels of PP were below or similar to postprandial values for 200, 400 and 600 pmol/kg/h and they were significantly larger with 800 and 1200 pmol/kg/h. Bile acid concentration and output did not return to values obtained with secretin plus CCK infusion after cessation of PP infusion. In conclusion, porcine PP given in physiological doses to the pig decreases bile acid output whereas biliary flow remains unaffected.

Reversal of in vitro hepatic insulin resistance in chronic pancreatitis by pancreatic polypeptide in the rat

In vitro isolated liver perfusion in a rat model of chronic pancreatitis (CP) has been shown to demonstrate hepatic resistance to insulin. The ability of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) to reverse the resistance to insulin on glucagon-stimulated hepatic glucose production was therefore investigated in this model. CP was induced in 250 to 300 gm Sprague-Dawley rats by infusion of 50 microliters of 99% oleic acid into the pancreas via the common bile duct. After 6 to 8 weeks, isolated liver perfusion was performed on livers from both CP rats and sham-operated control animals (n = 12, 14), both with and without PP administration. Glucagon infusion (100 pg/ml for 30 minutes) produced a five- to sixfold increase in hepatic glucose production. The integrated hepatic glucose output (IHGO) response to glucagon alone was comparable in pancreatic and sham-operated animals; during period 1 (0 to 10 minutes) IHGO was 7.1 +/- 0.5 mg/gm-min for sham-operated controls (n = 8) and 7.1 +/- 0.4 mg/gm-min for pancreatitic animals (n = 6) without PP treatment. Animals that received PP (100 ng intraperitoneally 5 hours before liver harvest and perfusion with 4.2 ng/ml from 10 to 30 minutes) demonstrated an IHGO for period 1 for the sham (n = 6) and pancreatitic animals (n = 6) of 5.6 +/- 0.6 and 4.8 +/- 0.8 mg/gm-min, respectively. Insulin infusion (100 microU/ml added to perfusate from 10 to 30 minutes) in CP livers without PP revealed impaired responsiveness to insulin; the ratio of period 3 (20 to 30 minutes)/period 1 IHGO was 110% +/- 5% in CP livers compared with 77% +/- 5% in sham controls (p less than 0.01). In contrast, PP treatment restored hepatic responsiveness to insulin to control levels; the period 3/period 1 IHGO was 75% +/- 13% in CP livers treated with PP, which was indistinguishable from the 67% +/- 9% response seen in sham-operated control animals. These data provide the first in vitro evidence of a primary hepatic glucoregulatory role of PP. Therefore PP deficiency may contribute to altered glucose metabolism through the induction of a reversible hepatic resistance to insulin.

Effects of islet hormones on insulin secretion from cloned B cell lines, HIT-T15 and RINm5F

The effects of the islet cell hormones glucagon, somatostatin-28 and pancreatic polypeptide on insulin secretion from cultured cloned pancreatic B cells (HIT-T15 and RINm5F) have been investigated. Glucagon stimulates the secretion of insulin from HIT-T15 cells in the absence and presence of glucose and from RINm5F cells in the absence and presence of glyceraldehyde. HIT-T15 cells were more sensitive to the stimulatory effect of glucagon than RINm5F cells. Somatostatin-28 and pancreatic polypeptide, both alone and in combination, reduced glucose- and glucagon-stimulated insulin release from HIT-T15 cells and glyceraldehyde- and glucagon-stimulated insulin release from RINm5F cells. HIT-T15 cells were more sensitive to the inhibitory actions of somatostatin-28 and pancreatic polypeptide than RINm5F cells. This study supports the hypothesis that insulin release from normal B cells may be modified by the paracrine activity of islet hormones, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide and probably occurs before any fine tuning imposed by subsequently released insulin.

Lobe-specific responses of cultured islet cells of canine pancreas to carbamylcholine, glucose, and pancreatic polypeptide

Using cultured islet cells from both splenic lobe (SL) and uncinate process (UP) of the dog pancreas, we have measured responses of insulin, glucagon, and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) to glucose, carbamylcholine (carbachol), and exogenous PP. The results show that both insulin and PP cells of the two developmentally distinct lobes of the pancreas respond differentially to secretagogues. The results suggest that PP may play a role in regulation of islet cell secretion. Secretion of insulin by SL and UP cultures in response to 28 mM glucose in a 2h incubation was significantly greater, 2.9- (p less than 0.01) and 1.5-fold (p less than 0.01), respectively, than secretion by respective control cultures at 2.8 mM glucose. The difference in degree of stimulation between SL and UP was also significant (p less than 0.02). At 2.8 mM glucose, SL and UP cultures secreted 10% and 8.8%, respectively, of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) contents of the cultured cells (NS). Dose-response curves showed that for up to 8.5 mM glucose the degree of stimulation of SL was no greater than UP, but the UP response had nearly plateaued; whereas, the SL response continued to increase, such that SL was greater than UP at 16.7 mM glucose (p less than 0.01). Secretion of PP by SL and UP cultures in response to 5 microM carbachol and 2.8 mM glucose in a 2-h incubation was significantly greater, 2.2- (p less than 0.002) and 3.9-fold (p less than 0.002), respectively, than secretion by respective control cultures without carbachol. The difference in degree of stimulation between SL and UP was also significant (p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inhibitory regulation of rat exocrine pancreas by peptide YY and pancreatic polypeptide

Peptide YY (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) have been shown to inhibit exocrine pancreatic secretion in vivo in a variety of species. This study evaluates the type of stimulation inhibited by PYY and PP by examining, in urethan-anesthetized rats, the inhibition of pancreatic secretion when stimulated to a comparable extent by cholecystokinin (CCK), 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), bethanecol, and electrical vagal nerve stimulation. PYY at maximal infusion rates inhibited stimulation by CCK by 83%, bethanecol by 55%, and electrical nerve stimulation by 40%. The inhibition of CCK stimulation was half maximal at 250 pmol.kg-1.h-1. By contrast, PYY totally inhibited 2DG-stimulated secretion with half-maximal inhibition at 10 pmol. kg-1.h-1. PP acted similarly to PYY in inhibiting CCK and 2DG-stimulated pancreatic protein secretion but was fivefold weaker in each case. These findings indicate that PYY and PP have multiple actions but preferentially inhibit neurally mediated pancreatic secretion at a preacinar cell locus, possibly at a central site of action.

Effects of pancreatic polypeptide on basal and meal stimulated secretion of gastrointestinal, pancreatic and adrenocortical hormones in the dog

We have assessed the effects of intravenous infusion of bovine pancreatic polypeptide (PP) (1 microgram kg-1 h-1) on the basal and postprandial secretion of gastrointestinal, pancreatic and adrenocortical hormones in normal dogs. Bovine PP within the physiological range increased plasma cortisol levels transiently but significantly. PP elicited an inhibition of insulin response to a protein-rich meal, and tended to reduce the gastrin response. There were, however, no significant changes in basal or postprandial plasma concentrations of motilin and pancreatic glucagon during PP infusion. These results suggest that PP may have a role in controlling insulin secretion from the pancreas. The possible mechanisms are discussed mainly on the basis of vagal innervation.

Effect of neuropeptide Y on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the dog

There is increasing evidence that neuropeptide Y (NPY) affects the release of pituitary hormones, including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The present study was designed to clarify the mechanism by which NPY activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the dog. Mongrel dogs were equipped with a chronic cannula allowing intra-third (i.t.v.) or intra-lateral (i.l.v.) cerebroventricular administration. A 1.19 nmol, i.t.v. dose of NPY produced as great an ACTH and cortisol response as did equimolar ovine corticotropin releasing factor (CRF). This action of NPY was dose-dependent and shared by peptide YY (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP), other members of the PP family peptide. Intravenously (i.v.) administered NPY (1.19-11.9 nmol) was much less potent than i.v. CRF in stimulating ACTH and cortisol secretion. However, i.v. NPY significantly increased plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations, raising the possibility that NPY may modulate the activity of corticotrophs. We have next investigated the possible relationship between NPY and CRF on the HPA axis. Pretreatment with a novel CRF antagonist, alpha-helical CRF9-41 (130.9 nmol i.t.v. or 261.8 nmol i.v.), partly but significantly attenuated the ACTH and cortisol responses to i.t.v. NPY (1.19 nmol). Furthermore, adding a subthreshold dose of i.t.v. NPY (0.119 nmol) to i.t.v. CRF (1.19 nmol) or i.v. NPY (2.38 nmol) to i.v. CRF (0.595 nmol) resulted in the potentiation of CRF-induced ACTH secretion. These results indicate that NPY may activate the HPA axis in concert with CRF probably at hypothalamic and/or pituitary levels. The present findings that NPY evokes ACTH secretion and potentiates the effectiveness of CRF as a secretagogue, together with high concentrations of NPY in the hypothalamus and pituitary portal blood, suggest that NPY is involved in the multihormonal control of ACTH release.

Effects of pancreatic polypeptide on the pancreatic exocrine secretion stimulated by secretin and cholecystokinin in the conscious pig

Fourteen castrated male Large White pigs, weighing 42.5 +/- 1.0 kg, were fitted with pancreatic and duodenal fistulae for pancreatic secretion studies. Moreover, catheters were placed in a carotid artery for blood sampling and in a jugular vein for peptide infusion. Pancreatic juice was automatically restituted to the animals and continuously sampled for analysis on experimental days. Following an 8-day recovery period, perfusion studies were performed after an overnight fast. After a 30-min basal period, sustained pancreatic flow and protein output were obtained and maintained throughout the assay with secretin (36 pmol/kg/h) and CCK-8 (600 pmol/kg/h) infusion. Then, 200, 400, 600, 800 or 1200 pmol/kg/h of porcine pancreatic polypeptide (PP) were infused for 60 min. Secretin + CCK infusion was continued for 1 h after PP infusion was stopped. Each dose of PP was given on a separate day. Neither pancreatic flow nor bicarbonate output were affected whatever the dose of infused PP. On the contrary, protein concentration and output decreased with the lowest dose of PP (200 pmol/kg/h) and the diminution was more pronounced with the other doses. With 600 pmol/kg/h as well as with 800 and 1200 pmol/kg/h of PP, pancreatic protein output fell to about 20% of values obtained with secretin + CCK. Plasma levels of PP were below or similar to postprandial values for 200, 400 and 600 pmol/kg/h and they were significantly larger with 800 and 1200 pmol/kg/h. Protein concentration and output returned to values obtained with secretin + CCK infusion after cessation of PP infusion. In conclusion, porcine PP given in physiological doses to the pig decreases pancreatic protein output whereas pancreatic flow remains unaffected.

Radioimmunoassay for rat pancreatic alpha-amylase and the effect of Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide on amylase secretion in the isolated perfused rat pancreas

In this study a radioimmunoassay was developed to measure secreted amylase from the isolated perfused rat pancreas. Using Sephadex G-75 gel chromatography, rat pancreatic amylase was purified to a single migrating protein band as determined by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Specificity of a rat pancreatic amylase antiserum, raised in rabbits, was determined using immunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, and immunoblotting techniques. Secreted amylase concentrations, obtained using the radioimmunoassay, were not significantly different than those measured with the amylase enzyme assay. The rat pancreatic amylase radioimmunoassay was used to measure the amylase secretion in the isolated perfused rat pancreas. Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide (FMRF-NH2) immunoreactivity has been shown to be co-localized with pancreatic polypeptide in the rat pancreatic islet, and evidence suggests that islet peptides modulate amylase secretion from the exocrine pancreas. In the present study, FMRF-NH2 significantly (p less than 0.05) suppressed cholecystokinin (CCK)-stimulated amylase secretion by 55%. The average pancreatic amylase secretion in response to CCK was 10.89 +/- 2.0 micrograms/ml/min (n = 6); with the addition of FMRF-NH2, CCK-stimulated amylase secretion was reduced to 4.79 +/- 1.6 micrograms/ml/min (n = 6). These results are consistent with the insuloacinar hypothesis in that an FMRF-NH2-like substance in the islet may act to modulate the exocrine pancreas.