Objective: Cumulative data indicate that cholecystokinin(CCK) stimulates the growth of rat pancreas. However

it is unclear whether the receptors for gastrin bombesin (BBS)

somatostatin (SST)

vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and secretin

which are expressed on the acinar cells of rat pancreas

also mediate DNA synthesis of acinar cells of rat pancreas. Methods: To address those questions

the effects of CCK

gastrin

BBS

SST and VIP on the acinar cell growth of rat pancreas were investigated through in vitro primary culture of rat pancreatic acinar cells. Results: The 3H-thymidine incorporation of pancreatic acinar cells in the group of CCK (361.0±57.6 cpm) or BBS (605.5±214.2 cpm) was significantly higher than that of control (251.5±69.1 cpm)

Ｐ< 0.05. No significant differences of 3H-thymidine incorporation of pancreatic acinar cells were found in the groups of SST

VIP and gastrin. Conclusion: Both CCK and BBS stimulated the growth of rat acinar cells. No trophic effects of VIP

SST and gastrin on rat pancreas were observed.