Serum Gastrin Response to Food Stimulation and Gastric Acid Secretion in Male Patients with Ileal Resection

Abstract

Gastric acid secretion before and after stimulation with pentagastrin and serum gastrin response to a test meal were recorded in 9 male controls and in 7 male patients from whom more than 50 cm of the terminal ileum had been resected because of Crohn's disease. The mean gastric acid secretion before and after stimulation was not found to be significantly different in the two groups. The mean fasting serum gastrin concentration and the serum gastrin response in absolute values were not different in the two groups. The MAO-BAO/'integrated gastrin response' was higher (p less than 0.05), and the gastrin response in relation to fasting level was lower in the patients than in the controls (p less than 0.05). The results indicate that an increased parietal cell sensitivity to gastrin is present after ileal resection. The negative acid feed back mechanism, however, seems to be at work. Under physiological conditions, therefore, the increased sensitivity may not result in acid hypersecretion.