The technique and clinical application of the cytochemical section bioassay for gastrin-like activity

The technique and validation of the cytochemical section bioassay for gastrin-like activity are described. This assay utilises the measurement of hormone-induced changes of carbonic anhydrase activity in guinea-pig gastric parietal cells. The clinical use of the assay as identified elevated levels of fasting gastrin-like biological activity in the plasma of patients with duodenal ulcer and has also demonstrated discrepancies between radioimmunoreactive gastrin levels, biological activity, and the clinical presentation of peptic ulcer disease.