Effect of Vagal and Sympathetic Stimulation and Ablation on Gastric Blood Flow

Abstract

NEUROGENIC INFLUENCES on the stomach have promoted a great deal of discussion and investigation within recent years. Vagal influences upon gastric secretion have been observed and studied for a number of years. Hartzell,¹ in 1929, reported a reduction in gastric acidity following section of the vagus nerve. The classical work of Pavlov,² demonstrating cephalic influences on gastric secretion, are known to almost every student of gastric physiology. Sympathetic influences upon gastric secretion have similarly been studied by Gaultier³ and others. Ablation of vagal influences upon gastric secretion has been used in designing operations for duodenal ulcer patients. Dragstedt^4,5 advocated vagotomy in the treatment of duodenal ulcer patients. More recently, vagotomy has been combined with other procedures in the surgical management of peptic ulcer disease. It is well known that vagal stimulation by direct electrical stimulation or by insulin hypoglycemia will produce gastric hypersecretion. This effect may