VIP-ANTISERUM INHIBITS FLUID SECRETION BY THE INFLAMED GALLBLADDER MUCOSA

The inflammatory fluid secretion by the gallbladder mucosa in experime ntal cholecystitis is induced by an increased prostaglandin formation and is mediated by intramural nerves. In the present study the effect of VIP-antiserum on the inflammatory fluid secretion in the gallbladde r was tested in a validated experimental model in cats. The animals we re studied in acute experiments 6 weeks after a procedure when the cys tic duct was tied and gallstones were implanted in the gallbladder. Du ring basal conditions there was a continuous secretion of fluid into t he lumen of the inflamed gallbladder averaging 0.43+/-0.18 ml/h. Injec tion of VIP antiserum, obtained from immunized rabbits and diluted wit h saline 1:10 in a bolus of 4 ml into the coeliac artery reversed this secretion into an absorption of 1.72+/-0.44 ml h(-1) (P<0.001). VIP-a ntiserum did not affect the fluid absorption in control animals with a n intact gallbladder and injection of control serum from rabbits not i mmunized to VIP did not affect fluid secretion in the inflamed gallbla dders. The results support the idea that the inflammatory fluid secret ion in the gallbladder mucosa is mediated by VIP-ergic nerve fibres.