Effect of intestinal distention on levels of cyclic AMP and fluid secretion.

The effect of distention on levels of intestinal cyclic AMP has been examined in rabbit jejunal loops under conditions of distention causing fluid secretion. Cyclic AMP levels were not significantly changed when compared with control loops. Histologic examination of the distended loops showed no significant changes from normal. The data indicate that the secretion in response to distention can occur in absence of morphological alteration and is not mediated by the cyclic AMP system.