D-glucose anomers in the nucleus of the vagus nerve can depress gastric motility of rats.

The infusion of alpha-,beta-, or equilibrated (alpha: 36%; beta: 64%) D-glucose solution in the vicinity of the nucleus of the vagus nerve decreased gastric motility caused by insulin in rats with bilateral adrenalectomy. This effect was not reproduced after vagotomy at the cervical level. Of the 3 forms of D-glucose solution the effect of beta-D-glucose was greatest. The infusion of isotonic NaCl, however, produced no change in the motility. These results suggest that blood beta-D-glucose may predominantly activate a brain mechanism which vagally controls gastric motility at the medullary level.