Abstract
Summary
Glucagon administration to intact animals has been reported to inhibit pancreatic exocrine secretion and pancreatic protein synthesis. In this study, the effects of in vitro and in vivo glucagon on mouse exocrine pancreatic function have been evaluated. When the in vitro mouse pancreas was exposed to glucagon, a concentration-dependent stimulation of amylase secretion was noted. Glucagon-stimulated secretion and cholecystokinin/pancreozymin-stimulated secretion were noted to be additive. The in vivo administration of glucagon was found to lower pancreatic amylase content in a time and concentration dependent fashion. The in vitro secretion of digestive enzymes after in vivo administration of glucagon also decreased, but this is believed to be a reflection of diminished pancreatic content since fractional amylase secretion was noted to rise. These observations indicate that glucagon's effects on the mouse exocrine pancreas depend on its method of administration and suggest that glucagon has both indirect and direct effects on mouse pancreatic function.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.