AJP - Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, Vol 237, Issue 3 232-R238, Copyright © 1979 by American Physiological Society
Influence of enteric parasitism on hormone-regulated pancreatic secretion in dogs
A. B. Dembinski, L. R. Johnson and G. A. Castro
The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that enteric
parasites affect pancreatic secretion in their host. Pancreatic bicarbonate
and protein outputs were studied in dogs with gastric and pancreatic
fistulas to determine the secretory response to exogenously administered
secretin and cholecystokinin and to intraduodenal stimulation with
hydrochloric acid and sodium oleate to release endogenous hormones.
Bicarbonate and protein concentrations in pancreatic juice were measured
prior to infection with Trichinella spiralis and at various periods during
primary and secondary infections. Dose-related increases in secretory
activity were observed in uninfected hosts in response to all stimuli.
Infected dogs responded like controls to exogenous hormones, but showed
reduced secretion under duodenal stimulation during the 1st wk of primary
infection. This altered response returned to normal 3 wk after primary
infection and did not occur following secondary infection. Results support
the conclusion that reduced pancreatic secretion is associated with enteric
parasitism and is due to a defect in hormone release or in the supply of
hormone available for release.
