Stimulation of central alpha-2 adrenoceptors inhibits gastric secretion in rats by releasing vasopressin.

The mechanism of the gastric antisecretory action of the stimulation of central alpha-2 adrenoceptors were studied in conscious, pylorus-ligated rats using intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered oxymetazoline as the model substance. I.c.v. administration of 10 micrograms of oxymetazoline strongly inhibited the secretion of acid, pepsin and fluid, whereas upon s.c. injection this dose was without any effect. Pretreatment with idazoxan abolished the antisecretory effect of i.c.v. administered oxymetazoline. I.c.v. injected oxymetazoline inhibited gastric secretion induced by carbachol in vagotomized rats, but the inhibitory effect was less pronounced than on the spontaneous secretion in rats with intact vagi. Hypophysectomy abolished the antisecretory effect of i.c.v. oxymetazoline, and pretreatment with the vasopressin antagonist, d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP, significantly attenuated it. The results suggest that the inhibition of gastric secretion by the stimulation of central alpha-2 adrenoceptors in rats is mediated in part by vasopressin released from the pituitary gland.