Interaction of neurotensin, secretin and cholecystokinin on pancreatic exocrine secretion in conscious dogs.

The results of previous studies from our laboratory have shown that neurotensin can stimulate pancreatic secretion of bicarbonate and protein. This study was done to compare the stimulatory action of neurotensin on pancreatic exocrine secretion in conscious dogs to those of secretin and cholecystokinin (CCK). Six dogs with chronic pancreatic and gastric fistulas were given hydrochloric acid intraduodenally or CCK-8 intravenously to produce maximal bicarbonate or protein secretion. Neurotensin was then given intravenously in combination with intraduodenal hydrochloric acid or intravenous CCK-8. Incremental bicarbonate outputs in response to intraduodenal hydrochloric acid alone were measured and compared with intraduodenal hydrochloric acid plus intravenous neurotensin. Intravenous administration of neurotensin augmented pancreatic bicarbonate and protein secretory responses to a maximal dose of intraduodenal hydrochloric acid. Incremental protein responses to intravenous CCK-8 alone were measured and compared to intravenous CCK-8 plus intravenous neurotensin. Incremental bicarbonate responses to intravenous CCK-8 alone were compared with intravenous CCK-8 plus intravenous neurotensin. Similarly, intravenous neurotensin augmented pancreatic protein and bicarbonate secretory responses to a maximal dose of intravenous CCK-8. The results of this study indicate that neurotensin may stimulate pancreatic secretion of protein and bicarbonate by mechanisms which are different from those of CCK and secretin. Neurotensin apparently exerts its action through specific neurotensin receptors.