THE EFFECT OF CAFFEINE UPON GASTRIC SECRETION IN THE DOG, CAT AND MAN

Abstract

A species difference was found in the gastric secretory response to caffeine. Subcut., intramusc. or intraven. adm. of caffeine or direct lavage of the stomach with caffeine (250 mgs. as the Na benzoate) did not stimulate gastric secretion in dogs with Pavlov pouches of the stomach or gastrostomies. Caffeine, administered by the intraven. route or by lavage of the stomach, provokes a copious flow of acid gastric juice in the cat prepared with a pyloric cannula and under light chloroform anesthesia. Caffeine, administered intramusc. or by the oral route, pro duces a definite stimulation of gastric secretion in man. It is suggested that the excessive use of caffeine-containing beverages may contribute to the pathogenesis of human peptic ulcer in the ulcer susceptible individual, or aggravate an ulcer already existing.