Pituitary control of alimentary blood flow and secretion - Gastric secretion and blood flow in hypophysectomized animals

Abstract

In normal cats, histamine and sham feeding produce correlated increases in vol. and acidity of gastric juice. In hypophysectomised animals these stimuli produce a slower, decreased acid response, with an uncorrelated decrease in secretion vol. Sensitivity to insulin is increased in operated animals, but contrary to expectations, gastric flow is lowered rather than increased. These effects are attributable to a post. pituitary principle, so far inseparable from the vaso-pressor. There is no regular relationship between blood flow and secretion in hypophysectomised animals. These and previous results show that the principle is necessary for maintaining the vascular system in a state of smooth and regular activity, so that the blood flow to secreting organs may be co-ordinated with their secretory activity on receipt of a suitable stimulus.