Calcitonin gene-related peptide modulates acid-mediated regulation of somatostatin and gastrin release from rat antrum.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Acid has been shown to stimulate calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release from peripheral sensory afferent nerve endings in the stomach. The aim of this study was to determine whether endogenous CGRP was involved, by a neurocrine mechanism, in acid-mediated stimulation of somatostatin and inhibition of gastrin release.

METHODS

A two-compartment sleeve of antral mucosal/submucosal tissue was perfused to determine sensory nerve and endocrine cell responses to luminal acid. CGRP receptor antagonist, CGRP8-37, was used to inhibit the actions of endogenously released CGRP.

RESULTS

Perfusion of the antral sleeve lumen with media of increasing hydrogen ion concentration caused pH-dependent increases in CGRP and somatostatin release and decrease in gastrin release. CGRP8-37 inhibited significantly basal somatostatin (-36%) and stimulated basal gastrin (+65%) release (P < 0.02). Furthermore, CGRP8-37 administration prevented luminal acid-mediated inhibition of gastrin release and stimulation of somatostatin release. These results indicate that CGRP8-37 prevented acid-mediated feedback inhibition of gastrin release and acid-induced feedforward somatostatin release.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that CGRP plays an important role in the response of antral D and G cells to luminal acid and that local effector action of endogenous CGRP participates in regulation of antral regulatory peptide secretion.