Effect of serotonin on pentagastrin-stimulated gastric pepsin secretion in dogs with gastric fistula.

The effect of serotonin on pentagastrin-stimulated gastric pepsin secretion in dogs was evaluated with regard to dose-response kinetics and receptor mediation. The pepsin secretion showed a dual response to exogenous serotonin. The high and low doses of serotonin stimulated, whereas the doses in between inhibited. The inhibition was of a non-competitive type and could be significantly counteracted by beta-adrenergic blocking drugs. This study supports the concept that the serotonin effect on gastric functions is mediated via sympathetic nerves releasing noradrenaline.