Abdominal vagal signalling: A novel role for cholecystokinin in circulatory control?

Abstract

It is generally accepted that the gastrointestinal circulation is primarily under the control of the enteric nervous system. However, recent studies have demonstrated that the sympathetic nervous system may play a greater role in postprandial gastrointestinal circulatory function than was thought previously. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a gastrointestinal hormone released from enteroendocrine cells lining the intestinal mucosa in response to feeding. Systemic administration of CCK induces gastrointestinal vasodilation mediated by withdrawal of sympathetic vasomotor drive. CCK differentially influences the discharge rate of presympathetic vasomotor neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla and..