EFFECT OF SECRETIN AND SOMATOSTATIN ON SECRETION OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR FROM BRUNNERS GLANDS IN THE RAT

The effect of secretin and somatostatin on secretion of epidermal grow th factor (EGF) from Brunner's glands was investigated in rats. Secret in increased volume secretion and the median output of EGF rose from 7 20 fmol/5 hr (total range 460-1320) in controls to 2065 fmol/5 hr (tot al range 1560-2730) at a dose of 50 pmol/kg/hr of secretin. Somatostat in inhibited Brunner's gland secretion, but the total output of EGF re mained unchanged. Secretin-stimulated volume secretion and secretion o f EGF was significantly reduced by simultaneous infusion of somatostat in. This study has shown that secretin stimulates secretion of EGF as well as volume secretion from Brunner's glands. Somatostatin prevents the effect of secretin on Brunner's glands, which suggests a role for somatostatin in control of Brunner's gland secretion.