The dependence of exocrine pancreatic secretion on insulin in sheep.

Exocrine pancreatic secretion, blood insulin, glucose and free fatty acid concentrations were measured on days 1, 4 and 5 of a 5 d experimental period. Sheep were treated with alloxan (day 2) and insulin (day 5). The volume of pancreatic juice decreased markedly in the diabetic state and returned to the initial value after insulin treatment. The daily secretion of lipase and amylase decreased during development of diabetes. Injection of insulin restored the secretion of lipase but not amylase. It is suggested that insulin potentiates the stimulatory action of the vagus nerve on the pancreatic secretion of sheep.