Effect of substance P and its C-terminal hexapeptide on gastric and pancreatic secretion in the dog.

In five dogs with gastric fistulas, Heidenhain pouches, and pancreatic fistulas, the effects of substance P (SP) and its C-terminal hexapeptide (SP6-11) on gastric acid and pancreatic secretions were determined under basal conditions and in response to secretory stimulation. SP or SP6-11 infused alone in graded doses (0.25-2.0 nmol.kg-1.h-1) caused a slight but significant increase in pancreatic secretions in fasted dogs, but, when given during the secretory stimulation, they caused significant inhibition of these secretions. They reduced gastric acid response to pentagastrin and peptone meal without affecting the serum gastrin level. They caused dose-dependent inhibition of secretin-induced pancreatic bicarbonate secretion and suppressed the pancreatic protein response to caerulein, feeding, and duodenal acidification. SP6-11 was equipotent on a molar basis with SP in the inhibition of gastric or pancreatic secretion, indicating that the C-terminal portion of SP exhibits a full spectrum of the biological action of the intact molecule. The inhibitory effects of SP and SP6-11 on the stomach and pancreas were observed at a dose range that was without any significant influence on the blood pressure, indicating that they are not caused by the interference of the blood flow to the pancreas.