Abstract
We have previously presented data to show that the secretion of pancreatic juice is continuous 1 and can be clearly demonstrated in dogs if the use of ether anesthesia is avoided. We suggested then that a continuous phase of secretion is produced by means other than secretin. We are now presenting observations concerning the mechanism of secretion and the composition of pancreatic juice produced by various means. Our data confirm the observations of J. Mellanby, 2 who came to conclusions very similar to ours. As new observations we offer those on spontaneous secretion, on the uncomplicated action of pilocarpin, together with more extensive analytical data including comparison with blood.
To obtain juice under conditions of complete exclusion of secretin action, the entire small intestine was removed under amytal or avertin anesthesia after tying off the pylorus. This was accompanied by loss of blood (in the intestine) and considerable shock. In some cases no flow was found, while in others a slow steady secretion was shown. Infusion of glucose solution just before the removal of the intestine materially lessened the shock and tended to restore blood volume. In spite of unfavorable conditions juice could be collected at a rate of 0.01 cc. per minute. This juice was a real pancreatic secretion, i. e., a product specifically of pancreatic cell activity. Its amylase content, the other enzymes running parallel, was as high as 150,000 units per cc, while that for 24 hour samples of mixed juice is maximally 10,000 units and for pure secretin juice maximally 4,000 units. The amylase content was determined by a modified 3 Wohlgemuth method. Because atropin stops the flow of this juice, we were inclined to consider its mechanism as nervous (parasympathetic).
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