The role of endogenous cholecystokinin in the sensory transduction of luminal nutrient signals in the rat jejunum.

Some vagal afferent fibres are exquisitely sensitive to exogenous administration of cholecystokinin (CCK) but their sensitivity to endogenous CCK released by luminal stimuli has not been demonstrated directly, although implied from reflex and behavioural studies. We have therefore utilised electrophysiological techniques to record afferent discharge in mesenteric nerve bundles supplying the rat jejunum in response to luminal application of casein acid hydrolysate (CAH). CAH stimulated whole nerve afferent discharge in both in vivo and in vitro preparations (P < 0.01) while single unit analysis revealed that fibres sensitive to CAH also responded to exogenous CCK. The responses to both CCK and CAH were abolished by the CCKA antagonist devazepide. This study therefore supports the hypothesis that a functional relationship exists between CCK-containing enteroendocrine cells and the afferent fibres whose terminals lie within close proximity.