The role of cholecystokinin in inhibition of gastric emptying by peptone in the rat

It is clear that the intestinal hormone cholecystokinin (CCK) inhibits gastric emptying, but doubts remain about the physiological significance of this action. Evaluation of the apparently conflicting data is complicated by the fact that little is known of the duration of action of CCK-releasing meals in delaying emptying. We have studied this issue by following the emptying of the second of two successive liquid test meals instilled into the stomach in conscious gastric fistula rats. Prior administration of peptone, but not saline, delayed the emptying of subsequently administered saline and delayed still further the emptying of subsequently administered peptone. The action of isotonic peptone lasted about 10 min from the initial instillation into the stomach. Radioimmunoassay of plasma CCK indicated a significant increase 5 min after intragastric peptone, and a still further rise occurred 5 min after administration of the second of two consecutive peptone meals; 21 min after the first meal, plasma CCK had returned to basal levels. Intravenous infusion of CCK in a dose that matched the inhibition of gastric emptying caused by peptone gave plasma concentrations about 35% higher than those seen 5 min after the second of two consecutive peptone meals. It is concluded that a liquid test meal of peptone delays gastric emptying in part through release of CCK and that the response lasts 10 min or less. The relatively short duration of action of endogenous CCK released by a single protein-rich meal in the rat should be kept in mind in interpreting the significance of studies on the physiology of CCK.