Central neurotransmitters and regulation of gastric acid secretion

Central neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator candidates reported to affect gastric acid secretion are: (excitatory) acetylcholine, thyrotropin releasing hormone, GABA, oxytocin; (inhibitory) noradrenaline, adenosine, bombesin, calcitonin-gene related peptide, corticotropin releasing factor, beta-endorphin, neurotensin, neuropeptide Y, insulin-like growth factor II and prostaglandins. Regulation of gastric acid secretion by central administration of these substances in experimental animals such as rats and dogs are briefly reviewed, and central inhibitory mechanisms of this function are discussed based on our studies with noradrenaline and bombesin. Roles of hypothalamic nuclei such as the ventromedial nucleus and the lateral hypothalamus in regulation of autonomic nerve activities are also described as an introductory note.