Effects of gastrin on emptying and composition of digesta of the omasum of sheep.

Three adult sheep were prepared with a denervated pouch of fundus of the abomasum and a reentrant fistula system that connected the remaining proximal and distal portions of the abomasum. The proximal cannula of the reentrant system was close to the omasoabomasal orifice, allowing for easy collection of fluid leaving the omasum. Intravenous injection of 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 microgram/kg/hr of synthetic human gastrin I caused a marked decrease in flow rate of fluid from the omasum. The concentration of particulate matter in the digesta was inversely related to rate of omasal outflow. An increase in acid output from the denervated abomasal pouch during gastrin injection indicated that the hormone was given at pharmacologically effective doses. Results indicate that gastrin has a modulating effect on the flow of ingesta through the ruminant forestomachs. Actual sites of action were not identified.