Effects of taste stimulation on the efferent activity of the pancreatic vagus nerve in the rat.

The effect of taste stimulation on the efferent discharges in the pancreatic branch of the vagus nerve was studied in anesthetized rats. An increase in discharge rate following taste stimulation with 10% sucrose over the tongue for 5 or 3 min, and a decrease of it following an application of 5% NaCl for the same duration were observed in normal as well as in decerebrated rats. It was further observed that local anesthesia of the surface of the tongue blocked the reflex response originated by taste stimulation. The results indicate the existence of gustatory vago-pancreatic reflex which plays an important role for cephalic phase secretion.