Invariant relation between total acid secretion and secretagogue exposure: secretory dynamics in bullfrog.

Using a continuous recording of acid secretion in frog gastric mucosa by pH-stat interfaced with a microcomputer, the pattern of secretion rate was studied under variable concentrations and durations of stimulation by histamine and forskolin. This tissue can respond with only a limited range of secretory rates. Larger concentrations and/or longer durations of stimulation may result in a secretion rate pattern prolonged far beyond the duration of stimulation. Although for the concentration-response curve the steady-state or peak acid secretion varies with the duration of stimulation, total acid secreted as a function of exposure to stimulator (time integral of the stimulatory pattern) is independent of the stimulatory pattern.