Jejunal Factor Stimulating Insulin Release in the Isolated Perfused Canine Pancreas and Jejunum

Abstract

In the present study using an isolated perfused preparation of canine jejunum and pancreas, an insulin-releasing factor was found in the venous effluent of the jejunum. Insulin secretion by the pancreas rose twofold after 10% glucose was infused in the lumen of the jejunum and remained at a high level even after the stimulus was discontinued. No modification of the exocrine pancreatic secretion occurred during the insulin release, and therefore it seems unlikely that gastrin, secretin or cholecystokinin-pancreozymin were released by the jejunal mucosa. In control experiments the values of hyperglycaemia observed previously and intraluminal hyperosmolarity were tested: at these levels, they did not affect insulin secretion. The nature of this intestinal insulin-releasing factor remains unknown however, but may be identifiable when intestinal hormones in blood can be assayed reliably. 1 This work was supported by contrat A.T.P. Inserm No. 715.4101.