The effects of corticotrophin and corticoids on secretion from denervated gastric pouches in dogs.

The effects of corticotrophin and of cortisone, methyl prednisolone, and of aldosterone on the gastric secretion of dogs have been investigated. Juice was collected from dogs with denervated pouches under basal conditions and when stimulated with meat extract and with histamine. For each secretion the volume, viscosity, and pH were measured, and the concentrations of hydrochloric acid, pepsin, sodium, potassium, and chloride estimated. In the pharmacological doses used all the substances produced similar effects. Volume and acidity of the secretion were increased and there was a decrease in the viscosity of the basal secretion. The concentration of pepsin and of sodium and potassium were decreased while the chloride concentration was unaffected. Cortisone (the only steroid tested in this respect) increased the maximal secretory response to histamine. Three to five days elapsed before any change took place in the secretion. The effects observed were independent of the glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid activity of the particular hormone used and were probably due in some measure to a 50% increase in parietal cell population, associated with a 36% decrease in peptic cell population, which was demonstrated histologically.