CYCLIC AMP AND ENZYME SECRETION BY ISOLATED RABBIT PANCREAS

The isolated rabbit pancreas secreted protein and α-amylase at a relatively constant rate during an eight-hour period. Both pancreozymin and acetylcholine caused a massive release of protein and α-amylase into pancreatic fluid. Theophylline (10-2 M) stimulated protein secretion in vitro maximally by 155%, while for α-amylase secretion a maximal average stimulation of 80% was observed. Theobromine (10-2 M) exerted a slight increase on enzyme secretion, equal to that given by 10-3 M theophylline. Cyclic AMP (10-3M) also increased enzyme secretion. For protein secretion a maximal average stimulation of 64% was observed, while α-amylase secretion was maximally stimulated by 31%. Theophylline (10-2 M) potentiated the stimulatory effect of pancreozymin (8.5 U/l) on pancreatic enzyme secretion. These results indicate that cyclic AMP is a mediator in enzyme secretion. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.