Reflex adrenergic gastrin release evoked by unloading of carotid baroreceptors in cats.

Gastric acid and pepsin output in response to 0.10 and 6.0 microgram . kg-1h-1 of pentagastrin response to complete elimination of the carotid baroreceptor discharge by cutting the bilateral sinus nerves. Such unloading of the baroreceptors simulates a blood pressure drop to 50--60 mmHg, resulting in a pronounced reflex increase in the activity of the sympatho-adrenal system. Cutting the sinus nerves caused an increased level of immuno-reactive gastrin in the portal plasma, and this elevated gastrin concentration was virtually extinguished by bilateral adrenalectomy. We conclude that the carotid baroreceptors can influence the gastrin release by a reflex adjustment of the release of adrenal catecholamines.