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Chronic alcoholism and endogenous gastrin.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|January 1, 1975
Summary
Chronic alcohol consumption in dogs increases gastrin blood levels after meals. This enhanced gastrin release from the stomach may explain increased stomach acid and cell mass in alcohol-intoxicated animals.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
- Physiology
Background:
- Chronic alcohol consumption is known to affect gastrointestinal function.
- Previous studies suggest alcohol may alter gastric physiology, but mechanisms are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of chronic alcohol intoxication on gastrin blood levels in dogs following a meat meal.
- To explore the relationship between alcohol-induced changes in gastrin levels and gastric acid secretion.
Main Methods:
- Dogs were divided into two groups: chronic alcohol treatment and control.
- Gastrin blood levels were measured after a meat meal, with and without ethanol administration (1.0 gm./kg.).
Main Results:
- Dogs chronically treated with alcohol exhibited higher and more sustained gastrin blood levels post-meal compared to control dogs.
- The dog gastric antrum showed a greater capacity for gastrin release in alcohol-treated animals.
Conclusions:
- Chronic alcohol intake enhances the gastrin-releasing capacity of the canine gastric antrum.
- This heightened gastrin release likely contributes to the observed increase in parietal cell mass and gastric acid secretion in chronic alcohol intoxication.