Anatomically and histologically the true gastric secretory stomach of the ruminant, the abomasum, is strictly comparable to the simple stomach of other mammals. The composition of the gastric juice is similar to that found in other animals and it is reasonable to assume that the basic mechanisms governing secretion are also essentially similar. The cranial part of the ruminant digestive tract is, however, considerably modified for the storage and fermentation of plant material and it is of interest to ascertain to what extent the function of the abomasum is modified by the three compartments of the forestomach which lie between it and the oesophagus. Previous investigations (Hill, 1955) have shown that the continuous flow of ingesta from the reticulo-rumen to the abomasum is responsible for its continuous secretory activity, and that the abomasal glands are not able to secrete spontaneously. The experiments to be described were carried out to obtain further information about the factors responsible for initiating and maintaining abomasal secretion.
METHODS
Surgical preparationsOne-to two-year-old Clun Forest sheep were taken from pasture and placed in individual pens in the animal house, where they were allowed a week or two to become acclimatized before operation. Mineral supplements and a daily ration of 1000 g of chopped hay were provided for all animals.Rumen fistulae were prepared in all animals and were fitted with polyvinyl cannulae (Jarrett, 1948). Aboma8al fi8tulae. Perspex cannulae, 16 mm diameter and fitted with screw caps, were inserted into the pyloric region of the abomasum, and brought out through the abdominal wall.Crocker-Markowitz fistula. The duodenum was transected immediately caudal to the pyloric sphincter and a stainless-steel cannula (external diam. -7! in. (11 mm), internal diam. -6 in. (9-5 mm)) inserted into each end. The stems of the cannulae were brought out through the body wall and continuity of the digestive tract re-established by connecting the two cannulae with plastic tubing (Dougherty, 1955).Vagally innervated aboma8al pouche8 were prepared in nine sheep by a modified Hollander technique (Gregory, Hallenbeck & Code, 1942). Perspex or stainless-steel cannulae with 8-2