Effect of pyloric blockade and infusion of histamine or pentagastrin on gastric secretion in horses.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the origin of the nonacid (nonparietal) component of gastric secretions in horses induced by pentagastrin infusion.

ANIMALS

6 horses.

PROCEDURE

A Latin square design was used, involving 6 horses, 3 treatments, and 2 duodenal intubation conditions (catheter with balloon to obstruct pylorus [B] or without balloon allowing movement of contents between stomach and duodenum [NB]). Each horse had an indwelling gastric cannula and a catheter positioned in the duodenum. Gastric and duodenal contents were collected during 15-minute periods. Each experiment consisted of serial collection periods: baseline; infusion of pyrilamine maleate (1 mg/kg of body weight, IV); not treated; and IV infusion of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution alone, saline solution containing pentagastrin (6 microg/kg x h), or saline solution containing histamine (30 microg/kg x h). Volume of samples was recorded, and electrolyte concentrations were measured.

RESULTS

Pentagastrin and histamine stimulated maximal acid output; however, during NB conditions, pentagastrin-induced concentration of hydrogen ions was significantly less than during histamine or pentagastrin infusions during B conditions. The large volume produced in response to pentagastrin during NB conditions was accompanied by increased sodium ion output that was greater than for pentagastrin during B conditions, but both values were significantly greater than values for histamine during B or NB conditions.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Nonparietal secretions collected during IV infusion of pentagastrin are duodenal in origin. Reflux of duodenal contents into the stomach of horses is enhanced by pentagastrin. Flow of duodenal contents into the stomach could have implications in the pathogenesis of ulcers in horses.