[A global study of gastric secretion in duodenal ulcers: gastrin, pepsinogen and acid secretion]

To examine gastric secretion in duodenal ulcer patients; simultaneous assessment of serum gastrin and pepsinogen I levels and acid secretion.

32 patients with duodenal ulcer disease were studied (mean age: 44.7 +/- 14 years, 24 males (75%). At endoscopy, biopsy specimens from duodenal bulb, antrum, body and gastric fundus were taken. Basal levels of acid secretion, pepsinogen I and gastrin were measured, as well as stimulated levels (with pentagastrin and beef meal).

Mean (+/- SD) BAO and MAO was 5.5 +/- 4 and 27.7 +/- 10 mEq/h, respectively. BAO in males were higher than in females (p < 0.05). A positive correlation (p < 0.01) was observed between MAO, and basal and stimulated pepsinogen I. Basal and stimulated (integrated-90 min) gastrin levels were 43.4 +/- 12 pg/ml and 5,260 pg/ml min, respectively. No correlation between such levels and acid secretion or pepsinogen I was observed. Mean basal and stimulated (integrated-120 min) pepsinogen levels were 109.3 +/- 35 ng/ml and 4,950 +/- 160 ng/ml min, respectively, and they were higher in males (p < 0.01), and in smokers (p < 0.05).

It was confirmed, in a group of duodenal ulcer patients, that BAO is higher in males than in females. There is a positive correlation between MAO and pepsinogen I levels, although this correlation is not present between gastrin levels and acid secretion or pepsinogen I. Pepsinogen I levels are higher in males and smokers.