The Effect of β-Blockade on Gastric Acid Secretion, Gastrin Release, and Plasma Catecholamine Concentrations during Modified Sham Feeding in Duodenal Ulcer Patients

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Abstract
The effects of β-blockade (propranolol, 100 mg orally) on gastric acid output and on circulating levels of gastrin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine during modified sham feeding (MSF) were investigated by a randomized, double-blind method in six patients with asymptomatic duodenal ulcer disease. No differences occurred in peak acid output during MSF, whereas basal acid output was significantly suppressed by β-blockade and peak acid output was unaffected. Basal gastrin concentration was lower during β-blockade but rose in response to MSF. Without β-blockade serum gastrin levels were unaffected by MSF. Plasma catecholamine concentrations were not affected by the β-blockade. It is concluded that acid output and gastrin release in response to MSF, unlike that to insulin hypoglycaemia, is not influenced by β-adrenoceptor blockade.