NERVOUS CONTROL OF THE PANCREATIC SECRETION IN THE RABBIT

Abstract

From numerous experiments in vagus stimulation Baxter concludes that the vagus nerve, contrary to previous belief, is a true secretory nerve to the pancreatic gland in the rabbit, and possesses secretory "trophic" and motor fibres to the ducts. The pancreatic secretion in the rabbit was stimulated by the parasympathetico-mimetic drugs, pilocar-pine and acetyl choline. Section of the parasympathetic nerves to the pancreatic gland had no marked effect on the rate of secretion or the enzyme content. Stimulation of the splanchnic nerves in the rabbit produced, after a preliminary inhibition, an increase in the rate of secretion and a definite rise in the tryptic power of the pancreatic juice. Repeated injection of small amounts of adrenaline produced the same results in the pancreatic secretion of the rabbit as stimulation of the splanchnic nerves. Section of the sympathetic nerves in the rabbit produced an immediate and profound fall in the enzyme content of the pancreatic secretion, which had a lasting effect.