Effects of central administration of histamine, beta-histine and impromidine on gastric secretory process in the rat

Intracerebroventricular injections [ICVI] of histamine [25, 50 and 100 mug/kg] produced a significant dose-dependent increase in the free and total gastric acidity [FGA and TGA], a significant increase in gastric mucosal histamine [GMH] and a significant decrease in serum gastrin level [SG]. Besides, ICVI of beta-histine [125, 250 and 500 mug/kg], an H1-receptor agonist, produced a significant increase in FGA and TGA, and a significant decrease in GMH and SG. On the other h and, ICVI of impromidine [15, 30 and 60 mug/kg], an H2-receptor agonist, produced a significant dose-dependent increase in FGA and TGA, a significant increase in GMH and a significant decrease in SG. prior administration of atropine [100 mug/kg] intraperitoneally, completely abolished the beta-histine and impromidine-induced increase in FGA and TGA, and potentiated the beta-histine induced reduction in GMH and SG. In conclusion, H2-receptor subtype is the main receptor responsible for the central control of gastric secretory process. Besides, H1-receptor subtype possesses a nonspecific role in the control of gastric acid secretion, and it may participate, to limited extent, in the gastric secretory process. The vagus was shown to have major role in the central control of gastric acid secretion

Plasma cortisol and synacthen test after oral contraceptives

Thirty women receiving Gyn-Anovlar were studied for plasma cortisol level. Ten of them were examined before and after Gyn-Anovlar therapy for basal cortisol and were injected intramuscularly with 250 mg mg of Synacthen. There was a significant rise of plasma cortisol and the patients responded normally to the injection of Synacthen indicating a good adrenal reserve function. The remaining 20 patients were already taking the pills for periods ranging from 8 to 9 months. Their plasma cortisol level was not statistically different from those taking the pills for six months