Effect of endogenous pancreatic glucagon on gastric acid secretion in patients with duodenal ulcer before and after parietal cell vagotomy

Abstract

The effect of endogenous pancreatic glucagon on submaximal pentagastrin stimulated gastric acid secretion was studied by infusion of l-arginine in patients with duodenal ulcer before and after parietal cell vagotomy without drainage (PCV). Preoperatively infusion of l-arginine resulted in a marked inhibition of acid secretion, whereas no effect was found postoperatively. Plasma glucagon concentrations were identical pre- and postoperatively, fasting as well as during arginine infusion. Serum gastrin concentration rose after PCV but was unaffected by arginine infusion both pre- and postoperatively. The study demonstrates that intact vagal innervation of the fundic glands is a condition of inhibition of pentagastrin induced acid secretion by pancreatic glucagon released by infusion of l-arginine.