Stimulation of amylase secretion from the perfused cat pancreas by potassium and other alkali metal ions. 1971

B E Argent, and R M Case, and T Scratcherd

1. In the isolated cat pancreas, stimulated maximally with secretin, increasing the perfusate potassium concentration (at the expense of sodium ions) caused a copious secretion of amylase from the gland, reduced the volume rate of secretion and caused vasoconstriction.2. Rubidium and caesium had similar effects to potassium: lithium, though depressing secretory rate, had no effect on enzyme secretion or vasoconstrictor action.3. Amylase secretion was detected at potassium concentrations of 30 mM and was maximal at 80-90 mM, output declining as the concentration was raised to 120 mM.4. Amylase secretion was maximal during the first few minutes of exposure to excess potassium, but remained above basal levels throughout the test period. Secretory rate was depressed by a constant amount during the test period.5. Atropine sulphate blocked the effect on enzyme secretion without affecting the reduction in secretory rate.6. During perfusion with excess potassium a vasodepressor material with the properties of acetylcholine was detected in the effluent from the gland.7. The reduction in secretory rate, when perfusate sodium was replaced by potassium, was equal to that obtained when sodium was replaced by sucrose.8. It is concluded that potassium stimulates amylase secretion indirectly by releasing acetylcholine from nerve terminals in the gland, and that the reduction in secretory rate is due not to excess potassium but to sodium deficiency.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008094 Lithium An element in the alkali metals family. It has the atomic symbol Li, atomic number 3, and atomic weight [6.938; 6.997]. Salts of lithium are used in treating BIPOLAR DISORDER. Lithium-7,Lithium 7
D008297 Male Males
D009411 Nerve Endings Branch-like terminations of NERVE FIBERS, sensory or motor NEURONS. Endings of sensory neurons are the beginnings of afferent pathway to the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. Endings of motor neurons are the terminals of axons at the muscle cells. Nerve endings which release neurotransmitters are called PRESYNAPTIC TERMINALS. Ending, Nerve,Endings, Nerve,Nerve Ending
D010179 Pancreas A nodular organ in the ABDOMEN that contains a mixture of ENDOCRINE GLANDS and EXOCRINE GLANDS. The small endocrine portion consists of the ISLETS OF LANGERHANS secreting a number of hormones into the blood stream. The large exocrine portion (EXOCRINE PANCREAS) is a compound acinar gland that secretes several digestive enzymes into the pancreatic ductal system that empties into the DUODENUM.
D010477 Perfusion Treatment process involving the injection of fluid into an organ or tissue. Perfusions
D011188 Potassium An element in the alkali group of metals with an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte that plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the WATER-ELECTROLYTE BALANCE.
D001808 Blood Vessels Any of the tubular vessels conveying the blood (arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins). Blood Vessel,Vessel, Blood,Vessels, Blood
D002415 Cats The domestic cat, Felis catus, of the carnivore family FELIDAE, comprising over 30 different breeds. The domestic cat is descended primarily from the wild cat of Africa and extreme southwestern Asia. Though probably present in towns in Palestine as long ago as 7000 years, actual domestication occurred in Egypt about 4000 years ago. (From Walker's Mammals of the World, 6th ed, p801) Felis catus,Felis domesticus,Domestic Cats,Felis domestica,Felis sylvestris catus,Cat,Cat, Domestic,Cats, Domestic,Domestic Cat
D002586 Cesium A member of the alkali metals. It has an atomic symbol Cs, atomic number 55, and atomic weight 132.91. Cesium has many industrial applications, including the construction of atomic clocks based on its atomic vibrational frequency. Caesium,Caesium-133,Cesium-133,Caesium 133,Cesium 133
D003250 Constriction The act of constricting. Clamping,Clampings,Constrictions

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