Effect of gastric irradiation on gastric secretion and histamine in mice

Gastric irradiation selectively inhibits acid secretion. Histamine may have a role in the inhibitory process. Seven days after gastric irradiation with 9 Gy X-rays, mice underwent a stomach perfusion and secretion test. Under pentagastrin stimulation (62.5 micrograms/kg), acid and histamine secretion was significantly lower than that of the unirradiated controls, while pepsin and potassium outputs were unchanged. Histamine concentration in the oxyntic region of the stomach assayed after the perfusion test was significantly lower than that of controls. It is postulated that the fall in the endogenous histamine store may contribute to the reduction in acid production.