Reflex regulation of the sphincter of Oddi by intrapancreatic ductal pressure in the Japanese monkey

Japanese monkey has a common ampullary channel. By a continuous injection of sterile saline (1 mL/min) into the pancreatic main duct, the pancreatic main ductal pressure increased from 8.4 +/- 1.0 (mean +/- SD) to a plateau level (16-25 mmHg) in 5 Japanese monkeys. The frequency and amplitude of the slow wave in electromyography of the sphincter of Oddi (SO) were significantly decreased from 14 to 2/min and 0.06 to 0.04 mV (p less than 0.01), and the frequency of the spike component significantly decreased from 53 to 14/min (p less than 0.05). As soon as infusion of saline ceased, the electromyography recovered to the original level. The mean value of the minimum loading pressure affecting myoelectrical activities of the SO was 19.8 +/- 3.0 mmHg. When the pancreatic duct was obstructed at the head, there was no significant change in the SO myoelectrographic activities in spite of increased pancreatic ductal pressure by infusion. These findings suggest that a homeostatic mechanism of pancreatic ductal pressure exists when the activity of the SO is regulated by the distending pressure in the pancreatic ductal system. This reflex regulation seemed to be mediated by the distension of the ampullary duct itself.