Abstract
Experiments were carried out on cats fitted with a gastric fistula. In one group of 6 cats basal gastric secretion, and in another group of 7 cats pentagastrin induced gastric secretion was collected two or three times a week during a 2 hr session. The sessions were conducted either in a “harness” situation where the cat’s movements were restricted, or in a “cage” situation where the cat was unrestricted and could move freely. It was found that in four of 6 cats in the basal secretion group and in five of 7 cats in the pentagastrin induced secretion group, gastric acid output was significantly higher in sessions in harness than in sessions in cage. These differences in acid output were due to acidity rather than volume of secretion. It was hypothesized that restriction of the animal’s movements in the harness could evoke a “reflex of freedom” which, however, could not be accomplished because of the confinement. This could evoke a neural conflict eventually leading to functional disturbances in the autonomic system. This, in turn, resulted in changes in gastric acid secretion.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Brodie, D. A., Marshall, R.W. and Moreno, O. M.: Effect of restraint on gastric acidity in the rat. Am. J. Physiol. 202, 812–814, 1962.
Emås, S., Swan, K. G. and Jacobson, E. D.: Methods of studying gastric secretion.In Code C. F. (ed.),Handbook of Physiology, Sect. 6, Alimentary Canal. Washington, D. C, Amer. Physiol. Soc. 1967, pp. 743–758.
Gantt, W. H.:Experimental Basis for Neurotic Behavior. New York, Hoeber, 1944, pp. 113–117.
Glavin, G. B. and Mikhail, A. A.: Stress and ulcer etiology in the rat. Physiol. Behav.16, 135–139, 1976.
Mahl, G. F.: Relationship between acute and chronic fear and the gastric acidity and blood sugar levels inMacaca mulatto monkeys. Psychosom. Med.14, 192–210, 1952.
Paré, W. P.: Conditioning and avoidance responding effects on gastric secretion in the rat with chronic fistula. J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol.80, 150–162, 1972.
Pavlov, I. P.:Conditioned Reflexes. Transl, by G. V. Anrep. New York, Dover, Ch. 1, 1927.
Sun, D. C. H., Shay, H., Dlin, B. and Weiss, E.: Conditioned secretory response of the stomach following repeated emotional stress in a case of duodenal ulcer. Gastroenterology35, 155–165, 1958.
Wolf, S. and Wolff, G. H.:Human Gastric Function. London, Oxford University Press, Ch. VI, 1947.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Supported by a US Public Health Service grant No. AM 17328.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wyrwicka, W., Garcia, R. Effect of restraint on gastric acid secretion in cats. Pav. J. Biol. Sci. 14, 249–253 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03003007
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03003007