Effect of Atropine on Insulin-Stimulated Gastrin Release and Gastric Secretion of Acid, Pepsin, and Intrinsic Factor (IF)

Schrumpf, E., Vatn, M. H. & Semb, L. S. Effect of atropine on insulin-stimulated gastrin release and gastric secretion of acid, pepsin and intrinsic factor (IF). Scand. J. Gastroent. 1974, 9, 665-669. The effect of insulin alone (0.2 IU/kg b.w. i.v.) or in combination with atropine sulphate (2 mg) on gastric secretion of acid, pepsin, and IF, and also on plasma gastrin concentration was examined on separate days in 10 unoperated duodenal ulcer patients. The gastric secretion was collected for one hour basally and for two hours after insulin or insulin combined with atropine. The plasma gastrin level was determined radioimmunologically at 15-minute intervals during the testing. In response to insulin, increased gastric secretion and also an increased plasma gastrin concentration were found. The insulin-stimulated gastric secretion of acid, pepsin, and IF was significantly reduced by simultaneous administration of atropine. The insulin-stimulated gastrin release was significantly enhanced by atropine. It is suggested that the insulin effect on both acid, pepsin, and IF secretion is cholinergic, whereas the insulin effect on gastrin release may be mediated through a non-cholinergic mechanism.