PANCREASTATIN DECREASES PLASMA EPINEPHRINE LEVELS IN SURGICAL STRESS IN THE RAT

Pancreastatin is a novel peptide, isolated from porcine pancreatic ext racts, that is known to be derived from chromogranin A. Since chromogr anin A-derived peptides have been shown to control secretion from chro maffin cells, we studied the effect of mt pancreastatin, injected intr avenously via portal vein, on plasma catecholamine levels in the anest hetized, laparotomized rat. Rat pancreastatin reversibly decreased pla sma epinephrine levels, in a dose-dependent manner, without modifying plasma norepinephrine and dopamine levels. These findings suggest that pancreastatin, released from the gastroenteropancreatic system or der ived from chromogranin A, may have a role controlling secretion from t he adrenal medulla in surgical stress.