THE ACTIVATION OF DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF THE GASTRIC SECRETION BY VARIATION OF VAGAL STIMULATION

Abstract

A satisfactory method has been evolved for obtaining a gastric secretion in a dog under anesthesia through the application of rhythmical stimuli to the vagi in the neck. Experiments (number not stated) indicate that a weak induction current applied to the vagi in the neck stimulates a flow of mucus having a high digestive power. The chief source of the mucus appears to be the mucous membrane of the body of the stomach, since it was obtained following the exclusion of the mucoid secretions from the esophagus and from the pylorus. Strong induced currents provoke a flow of gastric juice with a very high digestive power, high acidity, normal content of Cl and a small amount of mucus. It is suggested that the vagus nerve contains different fibres innervating different cytological elements of the gastric mucosa and that these may be activated by currents of different strengths.[long dash]Author''s summary.