The Effect of Marshallagia marshalli on Serum Gastrin Concentrations in Experimentally Infected Lambs

:  Because there appeared to be no data available on serum gastrin concentrations in animals infected with Marshallagia marshalli, and considering the high prevalence of this parasite in livestock throughout many countries, we decided to perform research in the field using experimental infection. After surgical implantation of abomasal cannula into 10 male Baluchi sheep, each animal was orally infected with 5,000 M. marshalli larvae. Serum gastrin concentrations and abomasal pH were measured with a human ELISA kit and a PHM LE438 standard pH electrode, respectively. According to the results obtained from the study, serum gastrin increased after 14 and 21 days post-infection (dpi), while abomasal pH increased after 7 dpi and reached a maximal value 16 dpi. The increase in serum gastrin concentration was revealed 6 days after elevation in abomasal pH, which could be the result of reduced acid secretion. Generally, the present study pointed out that a limited number of M. marshalli could increase serum gastrin concentrations.