Role of endogenous secretin and cholecystokinin in intraduodenal oleic acid-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion in rats

Vagal afferent mediates the anorectic effect of peripheral secretin

Secretin (SCT) is a classical peptide hormone that is synthesized and released from the gastrointestinal tract after a meal. We have previously shown that it acts both as a central and peripheral anorectic peptide, and that its central effect is mediated via melanocortin system. As peripheral satiety signals from the gastrointestinal tract can be sent to the brain via the vagal afferent or by crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), we therefore sought to investigate the pathway by which peripheral SCT reduces appetite in this study. It is found that bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy and treatment of capsaicin, an excitotoxin for primary afferent neurons, could both block the anorectic effect of peripherally injected SCT. These treatments are found to be capable of blunting i.p. SCT-induced Fos activation in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons within the hypothalamic Arcuate Nucleus (Arc). Moreover, we have also found that bilateral midbrain transaction could block feeding reduction by peripheral SCT. Taken together, we conclude that the satiety signals of peripheral SCT released from the gastrointestinal tract are sent via the vagus nerves to the brainstem and subsequently Arc, where it controls central expression of other regulatory peptides to regulate food intake.

Central and peripheral administration of secretin inhibits food intake in mice through the activation of the melanocortin system

Secretin (Sct) is released into the circulation postprandially from the duodenal S-cells. The major functions of Sct originated from the gastrointestinal system are to delay gastric emptying, stimulate fluid secretion from pancreas and liver, and hence optimize the digestion process. In recent years, Sct and its receptor (Sctr) have been identified in discrete nuclei of the hypothalamus, including the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the arcuate nucleus (Arc). These nuclei are the primary brain sites that are engaged in regulating body energy homeostasis, thus providing anatomical evidence to support a functional role of Sct in appetite control. In this study, the effect of Sct on feeding behavior was investigated using wild-type (wt), Sct(-/-), and secretin receptor-deficient (Sctr(-/-)) mice. We found that both central and peripheral administration of Sct could induce Fos expression in the PVN and Arc, suggesting the activation of hypothalamic feeding centers by this peptide. Consistent with this notion, Sct was found to increase thyrotropin-releasing hormone and melanocortin-4 receptor (Mc4r) transcripts in the PVN, and augment proopiomelanocortin, but reduces agouti-related protein mRNA expression in the Arc. Injection of Sct was able to suppress food intake in wt mice, but not in Sctr(-/-) mice, and that this effect was abolished upon pretreatment with SHU9119, an antagonist for Mc4r. In summary, our data suggest for the first time that Sct is an anorectic peptide, and that this function is mediated by the melanocortin system.

Multiple actions of secretin in the human body

The discovery of secretin initiated the field of endocrinology. Over the past century, multiple gastrointestinal functions of secretin have been extensively studied, and it was discovered that the principal function of this peptide in the gastrointestinal system is to facilitate digestion and to provide protection. In view of the late identification of secretin and the secretin receptor in various tissues, including the central nervous system, the pleiotropic functions of secretin have more recently been an area of intense focus. Secretin is a classical hormone, and recent studies clearly showed secretin's involvement in neural and neuroendocrine pathways, although the neuroactivity and neural regulation of its release are yet to be elucidated. This chapter reviews our current understanding of the pleiotropic actions of secretin with a special focus on the hormonal and neural interdependent pathways that mediate these actions.

Reciprocal effect of unsulfated and sulfated forms of cholecystokinin-octapeptide on gastric acid secretion in the rat

The sulfated and unsulfated forms of cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8) were compared, with respect to their effect on gastric acid secretion, in the rat. Unsulfated CCK-8 stimulated acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner, while the sulfated form was without stimulatory effect; thus, sulfation of the tyrosine residue in the seventh position from the C terminus completely abolished the gastrin-like action of CCK-8. Compared with pentagastrin and human gastrin II, unsulfated CCK-8 gave lower calculated maximal response. While sulfated CCK-8 given alone had no effect on acid secretion, it caused marked inhibition of the plateau response to submaximal pentagastrin. This inhibition was surmountable with higher doses of pentagastrin, suggesting a competitive type of inhibition. It is, therefore, concluded that lack of sulfation of the tyrosine residue in the seventh position does not exclude CCK-8 from occupying the gastrin receptor; but does prevent the hormone-receptor interaction that leads to the secretory response. These observations in the rat are different from those in the dog where desulfation of tyrosine renders the CCK analog, caerulein, ineffective in its ability to stimulate acid secretion.

Acceleration of ulcer healing by cholecystokinin (CCK): role of CCK-A receptors, somatostatin, nitric oxide and sensory nerves

CCK exhibits a potent cytoprotective activity against acute gastric lesions, but its role in ulcer healing has been little examined. In this study we determined whether exogenous CCK or endogenously released CCK by camostate, an inhibitor of luminal proteases, or by the diversion of pancreatico-biliary secretion from the duodenum, could affect ulcer healing. In addition, the effects of antagonism of CCK-A receptors (by loxiglumide, LOX) or CCK-B receptors (by L-365,260), an inhibition of NO-synthase by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), or sensory denervation by large neurotoxic dose of capsaicin on CCK-induced ulcer healing were examined. Gastric ulcers were produced by serosal application of acetic acid and animals were sacrificed 9 days after ulcer induction. The area of ulcers and blood flow at the ulcer area were determined. Plasma levels of gastrin and CCK and luminal somatostatin were measured by RIA and mucosal biopsy samples were taken for histological evaluation and measurement of DNA synthesis. CCK given s.c. reduced dose dependently the ulcer area; the threshold dose of CCK being 1 nmol/kg and the dose inhibiting this area by 50% being 5 nmol/kg. This healing effect of CCK was accompanied by a significant increase in the GBF at ulcer margin and the rise in luminal NO production, plasma gastrin level and DNA synthesis. Concurrent treatment with LOX, completely abolished the CCK-8-induced acceleration of the ulcer healing and the rise in the GBF at the ulcer margin, whereas L-365,260 remained without any influence. Treatment with camostate or diversion of pancreatic juice that raised plasma CCK level to that observed with administration of CCK-8, also accelerated ulcer healing and this effect was also attenuated by LOX but not by L-365,260. Inhibition of NO-synthase by L-NNA significantly delayed ulcer healing and reversed the CCK-8 induced acceleration of ulcer healing, hyperemia at the ulcer margin and luminal NO release, and these effects were restored by the addition to L-NNA of L-arginine but not D-arginine. Capsaicin denervation attenuated CCK-induced ulcer healing, and the accompanying rise in the GBF at the ulcer margin and decreased plasma gastrin and luminal release of somatostatin when compared to those in rats with intact sensory nerves. Detectable signals for CCK-A and B receptor mRNAs as well as for cNOS mRNA expression were recorded by RT-PCR in the vehicle control gastric mucosa. The expression of CCK-A receptor mRNA and cNOS mRNA was significantly increased in rats treated with CCK-8 and camostate, whereas CCK-B receptor mRNA remained unaffected. We conclude that CCK accelerates ulcer healing by the mechanism involving upregulation of specific CCK-A receptors, enhancement of somatostatin release, stimulation of sensory nerves and hyperemia in the ulcer area, possibly mediated by NO.

Involvement of endogenous cholecystokinin and somatostatin in gastroprotection induced by intraduodenal fat

Duodenal fat such as oleate is known to influence gut functions by release of cholecystokinin (CCK), but the contribution of CCK endogenously released by duodenal fat or by diversion of pancreatic juice from the duodenum in the mechanism of mucosal integrity and gastroprotection has been little studied. This study was designed to compare the effect of CCK-8 and intraduodenal (i.d.) instillation of sodium oleate, or diversion of the pancreatic biliary secretions that are known to release CCK, on the gastric mucosal lesions induced by topical application of 100% ethanol or acidified aspirin (ASA) in rats with or without the pretreatment with a CCK-A receptor antagonist, loxiglumide, or with L-365,260 to block CCK-B receptors. In addition, the effect of suppression of prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis by indomethacin (5 mg/kg i.p.), inhibition of nitric oxide (NO)-synthase by L-NAME (5 mg/kg i.v.), or blockade of sensory nerves by capsaicin (125 mg/kg s.c.) on the protective activity of sodium oleate was determined. Sodium oleate (50-200 mM i.d.), or diversion of pancreatic juice from the duodenum for 3 h that produced significant rise in plasma CCK levels, significantly reduced gastric lesions induced by 100% ethanol to an extent similar to that induced by exogenous CCK-8 (5 nmol/kg s.c.). The protective effect of oleate or diversion of pancreatic juice was accompanied by an increase in gastric blood flow (GBF). Both protection and accompanying hyperemia were completely abolished by blockade of CCK-A receptors with loxiglumide, whereas L-365,260, an antagonist of CCK-B receptors, had no effect. Oleate given i.d. significantly attenuated acidified ASA-induced gastric lesions and gastric secretion while increasing the luminal concentration of somatostatin. These effects were significantly reduced by loxiglumide but not by L-365,260. In contrast, CCK-8, which stimulated gastric acid secretion, failed to affect the lesions induced by acidified ASA and the decrease in the GBF produced by this ulcerogen. Indomethacin, which suppressed PG generation by approximately 90%, failed to influence the protective activity of oleate or CCK-8 against ethanol-induced lesions, whereas L-NAME, vagotomy, or sensory denervation significantly attenuated this protection and accompanying hyperemia. Addition to L-NAME of L-arginine, but not D-arginine, restored the protective and hyperemic effects of CCK-8 and duodenal oleate against gastric lesions induced by ethanol or acidified ASA. We conclude that endogenous CCK released by oleate or diversion of pancreatic secretion exerts a potent gastroprotective action on the stomach involving predominantly CCK-A receptors and depending on vagal activity, and hyperemia mediated by NO and sensory nerves but unrelated to acid secretory effects and endogenous PG.

Endothelin-1 inhibits secretin-stimulated ductal secretion by interacting with ETA receptors on large cholangiocytes

We studied the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptors (ETA and ETB) and the effects of ET-1 on cholangiocyte secretion. The effects of ET-1 on cholangiocyte secretion were assessed in normal and bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats by measuring 1) basal and secretin-induced choleresis in vivo, 2) secretin receptor gene expression and cAMP levels in small and large cholangiocytes, and 3) luminal expansion in response to secretin in intrahepatic bile duct units (IBDU). ETA and ETB receptors were expressed by small and large cholangiocytes. ET-1 had no effect on basal bile flow or bicarbonate secretion in normal or BDL rats but decreased secretin-induced bicarbonate-rich choleresis in BDL rats. ET-1 decreased secretin receptor gene expression and secretin-stimulated cAMP synthesis in large cholangiocytes and secretin-induced luminal expansion in IBDU from normal or BDL rats. The inhibitory effects of ET-1 on secretin-induced cAMP synthesis and luminal duct expansion were blocked by specific inhibitors of the ETA (BQ-610) receptor. ET-1 inhibits secretin-induced ductal secretion by decreasing secretin receptor and cAMP synthesis, two important determinants of ductal secretion.

Evidence for a significant role of gastrin in cysteamine-induced hypersecretion of gastric acid

Cysteamine has been known to stimulate gastric acid secretion and to induce duodenal ulcers in rats. We investigated the role of gastrin in cysteamine-induced acid hypersecretion in the perfused rat stomach. Intravenous infusion of cysteamine (75 mg/kg/h) resulted in a significant increase in acid secretion, which was accompanied by a marked increase in the plasma gastrin concentration. The cysteamine-induced increase in gastric acid secretion was completely blocked by i.v. injection of anti-gastrin rabbit serum (500 microliters). In addition, i.v. infusion of a CCK-B/gastrin receptor antagonist (L-365,260) (1 mg/kg/h) also suppressed the cysteamine-induced increase in acid secretion. Atropine significantly, but only partially, inhibited the increase. The elevated plasma gastrin levels induced by cysteamine were unaffected by atropine and L-365,260. In conclusion, cysteamine-induced acid hypersecretion is mediated mainly by cysteamine-induced gastrin release and partially by cholinergic factors. Furthermore, gastrin release caused by cysteamine appears to be independent of cholinergic tone.

The mechanism of inhibitory action of secretin on gastric acid secretion in conscious rats

1. Secretin has been recognized as an important enterogastrone. In order to investigate the mechanism of secretin-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion, the effects of both anti-somatostatin antibody and indomethacin on acid secretion were examined in conscious rats with gastric cannulas. 2. Secretin given intravenously at 5.6 pmol kg-1 h-1 inhibited profoundly the acid secretion stimulated by pentagastrin at 0.3 microgram kg-1 h-1. 3. When a rabbit antisomatostatin serum was given intravenously, it not only abolished the secretin-induced inhibition on the pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion, but also augmented both basal and pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion. 4. Indomethacin also significantly augmented basal acid secretion, starting 45 min after the drug delivery began. It reversed the secretin-induced inhibition but it did not augment the pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion. 5. Neither antisomatostatin serum influenced prostaglandin E2-induced inhibition of the pentagastrin-stimulated acid secretion, nor did indomethacin affect the inhibition by somatostatin, suggesting strongly that the inhibition by somatostatin is not mediated by endogenous prostaglandins, nor is that by prostaglandins E2 mediated by endogenous somatostatin. 6. It is concluded that the inhibitory action of secretin on pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion is mediated by both somatostatin and prostaglandins in conscious rats. The two inhibitors do not seem to interact endogenously for the inhibition of acid secretion. While endogenous somatostatin exerts a tonic inhibitory effect on both basal and pentagastrin-simulated acid secretion, prostaglandins augment basal acid secretion only.

Secretory and biosynthetic responses of gastrin and somatostatin to acute changes in gastric acidity

The activity of gastric parietal cells in terms of hydrochloric acid (HCl) secretion is regulated by the interaction of stimulatory substances (e.g. gastrin) and inhibitors (e.g. somatostatin) acting in an endocrine and paracrine mode, as well as luminal factors. In the present study the following parameters were measured: the synthesis (mRNA), storage (tissue peptide concentration) and secretion (plasma peptide concentration) of somatostatin and gastrin following short-term treatment of rats with pentagastrin (acid stimulant), secretin, omeprazole (reduces gastric acidity by inactivating gastric H/K ATPase) and the somatostatin analogue octreotide (reduces gastric acidity by inhibiting both the parietal cell and gastrin). The mRNA coding for H/K ATPase and carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), the two enzymes responsible for the generation of hydrogen ions from the parietal cell, were also quantitated. In response to octreotide, somatostatin peptide and mRNA levels in the fundus rose to 180 +/- 16% (P < 0.001) and 1073 +/- 356% (P < 0.05) of control, respectively. In contrast, octreotide caused a decrease in antral somatostatin peptide and its mRNA did not change significantly. No significant changes in synthesis, secretion or storage of gastrin were observed except for omeprazole induced hypergastrinaemia (580 +/- 76%, P < 0.001). H/K ATPase and CA II mRNA were largely unaffected except for an increase in CA II mRNA following octreotide and a decrease in H/K ATPase mRNA after pentagastrin. These data support the concept of the differential control of antral and fundic somatostatin synthesis and provide evidence for a regulatory loop by which somatostatin can influence its own synthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Exogenous and endogenous cholecystokinin protects gastric mucosa against the damage caused by ethanol in rats

Cholecystokinin (CCK) shows a potent influence on gastric secretion and motility but its role in gastric mucosal integrity has been little examined. In this study we found that exogenous CCK octapeptide protected gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced gastric injury but was ineffective against aspirin-induced damage. The protective effects of CCK were dose-dependent and almost completely reversed by pretreatment with the specific CCKA receptor antagonist, loxiglumide, while the CCKB receptor antagonist, L-365,260, was not effective. The CCK-induced protection against ethanol injury was accompanied by a significant increase in gastric blood flow. The inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthase by NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester attenuated the gastroprotection and gastric hyperemia induced by CCK while the concurrent treatment with L-arginine, but not D-arginine restored the protective activity of CCK and the accompanying increase in gastric blood flow. Endogenous CCK released by intraduodenal instillation of oleate prevented the formation of acute gastric lesions induced by both ethanol and aspirin and the protective effects were abolished by pretreatment with loxiglumide. We conclude that CCK exerts protective activity against ethanol-induced damage and that this effect is mediated through specific CCKA receptors and hyperemia involving NO.

Effect of intraduodenal infusion of tocamphyl on pancreatic exocrine secretion and gastrointestinal hormone release in rats

Tocamphyl is a synthetic choleretic that is derived from a root extract of Curcuma longa, L. We investigated the effect of tocamphyl on pancreatic exocrine secretion and bile flow, and on the release of some gastrointestinal hormones, by administering it intraduodenally using anesthetized rats. Tocamphyl stimulated pancreatic exocrine secretion in terms of volume and amylase output in a dose-related manner. Neither a CCK-receptor antagonist, CR1505 (loxiglumide), nor atropine sulfate infused intravenously suppressed the stimulatory effects of tocamphyl on pancreatic exocrine secretion and bile flow. The stimulatory effect on bile flow was stronger than that on pancreatic exocrine secretion. Plasma secretin levels were augmented with the increasing doses of tocamphyl, but CCK levels were not. These results indicate that intraduodenally administered tocamphyl stimulates pancreatic exocrine secretion and bile flow, and suggest that the stimulatory action is, at least in part, mediated by secretin, but not by either CCK or the cholinergic pathway.

Intestinal fat digestion plays a significant role in fat-induced suppression of gastric acid secretion and gastrin release in the rat

We have investigated the role of intestinal fat digestion in fat-induced suppression of gastric acid secretion and gastrin release in the rat. Intraduodenal administration of oleic acid (10%, pH 6.5) and triglyceride (10%, pH 6.5) at a rate of 2 ml/hr resulted in significant suppression of gastric acid secretion and gastrin release stimulated by intragastric perfusion of peptone (0.5%). Diversion of pancreatic juice from the duodenum completely abolished triglyceride-induced inhibition of peptone-stimulated gastric acid secretion and plasma gastrin release, but oleic acid-suppressed gastric acid secretion and gastrin release were unaffected by pancreatic juice diversion. Intraduodenal administration of digested triglyceride, prepared by preincubation with lipase, caused significant suppression of the peptone-induced gastric acid secretion and rise in plasma gastrin levels, even though pancreatic juice was excluded. The results of this study indicate that digestive products of triglyceride by pancreatic juice, especially by lipase, are responsible for the intestinal fat-induced inhibition of gastric acid secretion and gastrin release and that intestinal fat digestion plays a significant role in the mechanism.