EFFECTS OF DIRECT AND REFLEX NERVE STIMULATION ON THE EXOCRINE SECRETORY ACTIVITY OF PANCREAS

Abstract

The effects of direct and reflex nerve stimulation on the exocrine secretion of the pancreas were observed. Faradic stimulation of the vagi or splanchnic nerves with all pancreatic nerves intact, or of the celiac plexus before or after functional degeneration of vagus preganglionic fibers, increased the flow of pancreatic juice. Depression of adrenergic nerves with ergotoxine phosphate did not alter these results. The postganglionic nerve supply to the pancreas thus includes cholinergic fibers which increase the rate of secretion. Similar stimulation of celiac ganglia, but with paralysis of cholinergic fibers by atropine sulfate, inhibited secretion. The postganglionic sympathetic nerves to the pancreas thus also contain adrenergic components which retard the flow of pancreatic juice. Stimulation of mesenteric nerves resulted in a marked decrease of pancreatic secretion. This effect was obtained when all nerves to the pancreas were intact and when the vagi and the splanchnic nerves had been functionally degenerated. When the celiac ganglia were extirpated, however, the effect disappeared. Reflex pathways from the intestine to the pancreas which do not traverse the central nervous system thus exist and involve synaptic connections in the celiac ganglia.