Mechanism of inhibition of gastric acid secretion by hypertonic solutions and vasopressin

Summary An experiment was performed in female rats in order to assess the influence and mechanism underlying the effects of hyperglycemia, hypertonic saline and vasopressin upon the gastric acid secretion and mucosal blood flow (MBF). Infusion of isotonic saline did not alter acid output and gastric clearance of plasma aminopyrine whereas hypertonic solutions (20% glucose or 3% NACl) significantly increased plasma osmolality and decreased the acid secretion within 30 min and recovered to normal levels after 2 h. Vasopressin also effectively inhibited acid secretion. Both hypertonic solutions and vasopressin decreased the mucosal blood flow. However, the ratio (R) of MBF to gastric secretory rate which is a helpful guide to the mechanism of secretory inhibition did not significantly change in either case. We concluded that all three agents probably had a direct action on secretion rather than decreasing MBF. The mechanism of inhibition of acid secretion and its relationship to MBF was suggested and discussed.