The effect of sympathetic nerve stimulation on acid secretion, regional blood flows and oxygen usage by stomachs of anaesthetized cats

Abstract

1. Gastric acid secretion, and total gastric and mucosal blood flows (amidopyrine technique) were measured in anaesthetized cats. Oxygen contents of arterial and gastric venous blood were measured using an oximeter. 2. Splanchnic nerve stimulation (10 Hz) significantly reduced the acid output and total gastric and mucosal blood flows produced in response to maximal gastrin pentapeptide infusions. 3. The arterial haemoglobin concentration was significantly reduced during splanchnic nerve stimulation, and this is consistent with the hypothesis that the splanchnic nerve effect is directed against precapillary sphincters. 4. During the period of inhibition, gastric oxygen consumption and acid secretion were reduced to similar degrees. There was no significant change in oxygen extraction by the stomach. 5. It remains possible that the splanchnic nerves directly inhibit the parietal cell activity.