The proof that a hormone is concerned in external pancreatic secretion.

Abstract

Direct evidence has been presented by us 1 , 2 which proves that a humoral mechanism is in part, at least, concerned in the stimulation of the pancreas to secrete pancreatic juice. Indirect evidence has also been presented 1 which suggests that a hormone is the exciting humoral agent.

We now have evidence which, according to our interpretation, proves unequivocally that a hormone is concerned in the genesis of the external secretion of the pancreas.

This evidence was obtained from two different preparations: In one preparation, a Thiry fistula of the jejunum and a pancreatic transplant was made. In the other preparation, a twelve inch loop of the jejunum was transplanted subcutaneously (4 inches took) and later a pancreatic transplant was made.

When N/10, or N/100 HC1, is applied to the mucosa of the intestinal transplant, the pancreatic transplant secretes copiously. When N/10, or N/120 HC1, is applied to the mucosa of the Thiry fistula, the pancreatic transplant secretes copiously. The latent period of stimulation varies from three to six minutes.

The interesting observation has also been made that fresh olive oil applied to the Thiry fistula does not stimulate the pancreatic transplant; but if the olive oil is digested with pancreatin, and the neutralized digest (neutralized with Na₂CO₃) applied to the mucosa of the Thiry fistula, the pancreatic transplant is stimulated.