SERUM GASTRIN-RESPONSE TO FEEDING IN ACHLORHYDRIC PATIENTS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 27  (3) , 217-219
Abstract
The serum gastrin response to feeding was measured in 3 groups of achlorhydric patients, and the results compared with those of 12 normal controls. An increased postprandial serum gastrin response was found in 6 of 8 patients with hypergastrinemia and pernicious anemia, in all 10 patients with hypergastrinemia and normal absorption of vitamin B12, and in 2 of 7 achlorhydric patients with normal fasting serum gastrin levels. A reduced serum gastrin response to feeding was found in 2 patients with pernicious anemia and very high basal serum gastrin levels of 3010 and 3800 pg/ml, and in 1 achlorhydric patient with normogastrinemia. The remaining 4 patients with achlorhydria and normogastrinemia had normal postprandial serum gastrin responses. The serum gastrin response to feeding in patients with achlorhydria apparently is heterogeneous.