HISTAMINERGIC MODULATION OF HORMONAL-CONTROL IN THE EXOCRINE GUINEA-PIG PANCREAS

The effects of histamine upon secretin- or cholecystokinin (CCK)-evoke d exocrine pancreatic secretion were investigated in the anaesthetised guinea pig. Histamine (0.1 mu mol/kg/min) induced a slight increase i n pancreatic juice how and total protein release compared to saline co ntrols. Secretin (0.5 pmol/kg/min) and CCK-8 (0.75 pmol/kg/min) evoked marked time course increases in both the rate of pancreatic juice flo w and total protein output in the anaesthetised guinea pig. Administra tion of either secretin or CCK-8 simultaneously with histamine elevate d the exocrine pancreatic secretion compared to the smaller response o btained when administered separately, These results indicate that hist amine may play an important physiological role in modulating the hormo nal control of exocrine guinea pig pancreas.