Effect of pancreatic polypeptide on gastric accommodation and gastric emptying in conscious rats

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is an anorexigenic hormone released from pancreatic F cells upon food intake. We aimed to determine the effect of PP on gastric accommodation and gastric emptying in conscious Wistar HAN rats to investigate whether effects on motor function could contribute to its anorexigenic effects. Intragastric pressure (IGP) was measured through a chronically implanted gastric fistula during the infusion of a nutrient meal (Nutridrink; 0.5 ml/min). Rats were treated with PP (0, 33 and 100 pmol·kg−1·min−1) in combination with NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; 180 mg·kg−1·h−1), atropine (3 mg·kg−1·h−1), or vehicle. Furthermore, the effect of PP was tested after subdiaphragmal vagotomy of the stomach. Gastric emptying of a noncaloric and a caloric meal after treatment with 100 pmol·kg−1·min−1 PP or vehicle was compared using X-rays. PP significantly increased IGP during nutrient infusion compared with vehicle (P < 0.01). l-NAME and atropine significantly increased IGP during nutrient ...