Effect of vagotomy and glucose administration on gastric acid secretion in the Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua.

Cods were prepared for measurement of gastric acid secretion. Cannulae were implanted for drainage of the stomach and for separate perfusion of the stomach and intestine. Fishes, intestinally perfused with diluted sea-water (33% SW) exhibited high rates of acid secretion. This "basal" secretion was abolished (96% inhibition) by bilateral vagotomy. Perfusion of the stomach with isosmotic glucose (5.5%) diminished the amount of titratable acid in the gastric effluence, and induced oral ingestion of water. Only part of the decrease could be explained by neutralization by ingested sea-water. Perfusion of the intestine with 5.5% glucose, containing sea-water to raise the osmolality to that of 50% SW, depressed gastric acid secretion compared to 50% SW-perfused controls, without significantly affecting oral intake of water. I.m. administration of glucose, increasing plasma glucose to the same level as intraluminal administration, did not affect acid secretion or oral water ingestion. The study demonstrates the existence of a potential intestinal mechanism for inhibition of gastric acid secretion, and indicates that vagal activity is independent of the blood glucose level in the cod.