Effect of Cholinergic, Adrenergic, and Dopaminergic Blockade on Gastrin Secretion in Healthy Subjects

The effects of receptor blockers on the cholinergic, adrenergic, and dopaminergic nervous system have been tested on basal and meal-stimulated gastrin secretion in six normal subjects. Basal gastrin secretion was unaffected by all agents, as was gastrin secretion after food when alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockers were applied. Both atropine and haloperidol significantly enhanced the meal-induced secretion of gastrin. Dopamine had no effect on gastrin secretion. It is suggested that this effect of haloperidol is mediated by blockade of dopaminergic receptors, supporting the idea that the dopaminergic nervous system may influence gastrin secretion. It is concluded that the adrenergic nervous system does not influence gastrin secretion under physiological conditions, whereas both cholinergic and dopaminergic receptors may play an inhibitory role.