Estimation of gastric hydrochloric acid secretion in rats by a test meal technique

Abstract

Phenol red and hypertonic sucrose was instilled intragastrically into rats through a rubber catheter. The phenol red was used to calculate the volume of gastric contents and the amount of HC1 lost from the stomach and, thus the quantity of HC1 secreted. Maximal secretion of HC1 occurred with doses of more than 2 mg subcutaneously of histamine phosphate. The response continued for 45 minutes. Doses up to 8 mg of histamine phosphate did not produce toxic effects. A 45-minute meal of phenol red and hypertonic sucrose in conjunction with a maximum stimulating dose of histamine, was used to demonstrate inhibition of acid secretion and gastric motility following topical application of p-chloromercuribenzoate to the gastric mucosa.