Neuroendocrine responses to stimulation of the splanchnic nerves in bursts in the conscious adrenalectomized calf.

Effects of stimulation of the peripheral ends of the splanchnic nerves below behavioural threshold at either 4 or 2 Hz continuously for 10 min, and at 40 or 20 Hz for 1 s at 10 s intervals for 10 min, have been compared in conscious calves. Cardiovascular responses were apparently unaffected by the pattern of the stimulus, whereas pancreatic neuroendocrine responses were significantly enhanced by stimulation in bursts, as was the rise in mean arterial plasma glucose concentration. Release of bombesin-like immunoreactivity was substantially potentiated by intermittent stimulation at relatively high frequencies and the significance of this discovery is discussed in relation to the effects that this peptide is known to evoke in this species.