Vasoactive intestinal peptide-associated inhibition of stimulated gastric secretion. II. Inhibition of pentagastrin-stimulated gastric secretion.

The possible role of vasoactive intestinal peptide as an inhibitor of stimulated gastric secretion was investigated. Awake dogs with Heidenhain pouches were stimulated with pentagastrin alone and in combination with intraduodenal instillation of various potential inhibitors of gastrointestinal secretion including isotonic phenylalanine, 3 percent hypertonic saline solution and 0.16 normal hydrochloric acid. Plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide is significantly increased by pentagastrin, and this release is enhanced by intraduodenal hydrochloric acid. Simultaneously, there is significant inhibition of pentagastrin-stimulated Heidenhain pouch secretion. These findings provide evidence for a possible physiologic role of vasoactive intestinal peptide as an inhibitor of gastric secretion, at least in dogs.