Involvement of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 receptor mechanisms in regulation of basal pancreatic secretion in conscious rats.

The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)3 receptor antagonists (azasetron and granisetron) on basal pancreatic exocrine secretion were examined in conscious rats. Rats were prepared with cannulae draining bile and pancreatic juice separately. Intravenous injection of azasetron significantly increased pancreatic fluid and protein outputs in a dose-dependent manner. These increases were completely abolished by treatment with atropine, but not affected by bilateral truncal vagotomy. Intravenous injection of granisetron also increased pancreatic secretion, significantly. Intragastric injection of azasetron increased pancreatic secretion, although a double dose was required to elicit the stimulatory effect compared with intravenous injection. It is concluded that 5-HT3 receptor activity is involved in regulation of basal pancreatic secretion in conscious rats.