The influence of the vagal nerve on the inhibitory effect of neurotensin on pentagastrin stimulated gastric acid secretion was investigated in seven duodenal ulcer patients before and after parietal cell vagotomy without drainage. Preoperatively, neurotensin inhibited gastric acid secretion, whereas no effect was found postoperatively. Plasma concentration of neurotensin was identical pre-and postoperatively. This study shows that the inhibitory effect of neurotensin on gastric acid secretion is dependent on an intact vagal innervation of the parietal cell area.
