The simultaneous effects of acute i.v.
ethanol administration (1.3 gm./kg.) on pancreatic and gastric acid secretion was studied on dogs provided with chronic pancreatic and gastric
fistulas (Thomas
cannula) and subjected to a continuous i.v. injection of GIH
secretin (0.5 CU./kg./hr.) and
gastrin (Eurorga hog
gastrin I-II, 6 gamma/kg./hr.). Acute i.v.
ethanol inhibits the pancreatic secretion of
protein (concentration and output) and stimulates gastric acid secretion. Experiments were repeated: 1. Superimposing an
atropine infusion (1.0 mg./hr.) on the continuous hormonal perfusion. 2. After
reserpine administration for 48 hours (0.10 mg./kg./24 hr.)
Atropine abolished the
ethanol-mediated inhibition of pancreatic
protein secretion but did not prevent the alcohol-mediated gastric acid stimulation.
Reserpine did not change the
ethanol-mediated pancreatic inhibition. It is assumed that in nonalcoholic dogs, i.v.
ethanol inhibits pancreatic secretion by an intermediate nervous mechanism and enhances gastric acid secretion by acting directly on the oxyntic cells.
Reserpine induces a high plateau level of HCl secretion which obscures the
ethanol-mediated excitatory influences on the oxyntic cells.