Release of immunoreactive serotonin into the lumen of the feline gut in response to vagal nerve stimulation.

Immunoreactive serotonin was detected in the lumen of the proximal jejunum of food-deprived cats. During perfusion of this intestinal segment in vivo, there was a constant basal rate of intraluminal secretion of this amine. The rate of secretion was significantly increased during efferent electrical stimulation of the cut cervical vagal nerves. This stimulatory effect was not altered after bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in the same animals. A synchronous release of substance P into the gut lumen was also demonstrated during vagal stimulation. During the period of increased intraluminal secretion of immunoreactive serotonin, there was no demonstrable change in the portal or systemic blood levels of this amine.