Centrally administered PGE2 inhibits gastric secretion in the rat by releasing vasopressin.

The pituitary mechanism of the central inhibitory effect of PGE2 on gastric secretion was investigated in rats. The intravenous (i.v.) injection of neurointermediate lobe extracts but not of anterior lobe extracts inhibited gastric secretion in pylorus-ligated rats. The i.c.v. administration of 3 micrograms of PGE2 increased the plasma level of vasopressin but had no effect on plasma beta-endorphin/beta-lipotropin. The i.v. administration of 10 micrograms d(CH2)5Tyr(Me) AVP, a vasopressin antagonist, prevented the inhibition of gastric secretion induced by i.c.v. administration of 3 micrograms PGE2 to pylorus-ligated rats. The results indicate that the central antisecretory action of PGE2 is due to the release of vasopressin from the pituitary gland.