Duodenal Acidification and Antral Release of Gastrin

Abstract

In order to identify the mechanisms responsible for the inhibition of gastric secretion that follows acidification of the duodenum, we studied the effect that perfusion of the duodenum with hydrochloric acid has on the release of antral gastrin that has been stimulated by the local application of acetylcholine chloride. In five dogs, perfusion of the total duodenum significantly decreased peripheral serum gastrin levels. Acid perfusion of either the distal part of the duodenum or the duodenal bulb caused a prompt decrease in gastrin release from the antrum. The findings indicate that the inhibitory effect of duodenal acidification is explained, at least in part, by the inhibition of gastrin release from the antrum.