GASTRO-INTESTINAL HORMONE PROFILE IN RENAL-INSUFFICIENCY

Abstract

Fasting serum gastrin, cholecystokinin, glucagon and gastric inhibitory polypeptide concentrations were simultaneously measured in normal subjects and in patients with different degrees of renal failure. Values of gastrin, cholecystokinin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide and glucagon were significantly higher in all patients with serum creatinine concentrations > 3 mg/dl than in controls (P < 0.01). The degree of renal insufficiency was significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with serum concentrations of each hormone, but no significant linear correlation existed among the serum concentrations of different gastrointestinal hormones in individuals. Hemodialysis did not significantly alter predialysis serum gastrin, cholecystokinin or glucagon concentrations, but the serum gastrin inhibitory polypeptide concentration decreased by 30% (P < 0.01) after hemodialysis. The disproportionate increases of hormones with antagonistic actions may alter gastrointestinal function in renal insufficiency.