Gastrin and gastric secretion in chronic renal failure

Both gastrin and acid responses to antral stimulation by meat extracts (Oxo) were studied in 15 undialysed males with chronic renal failure (CRF). Eighteen sex and age-matched duodenal ulcers (DU) served as controls. Oxo increased acid and plasma gastrin in both groups. The rise in plasma gastrin was larger in CRF than in DU. The pattern of gastrin response in CRF suggests accumulation of gastrin in the plasma probably related to impaired renal inactivation of the hormone. Five CRF had large acid responses representing 40 to 90 percent of their maximal secretory capacity. Antral function should be measured in CRF before haemodialysis or renal transplantation.