Effect of feeding on catabolism and activity of exogenous gastrin in dogs

The effect of meal upon the catabolism and activity of exogenous gastrin was tested in 4 antrectomized and 4 non antrectomized dogs with Heidenhain pouches. In both antrectomized and non antrectomized dogs infused with exogenous gastrin, the meal decreased the serum gastrin level. This decrease amounted to about 20%, 60 minutes after feeding and the gastrinemia then returned gradually to control levels. In non antrectomized dogs, infusion of a near maximal dose of gastrin increased the acid response to the meal to a level above the maximal histamine acid output. Exogenous gastrin also increased the acid response to a meal in antrectomized dogs. These data indicate: 1) That feeding increases the metabolic clearance rate of exogenous gastrin. This effect could be at least partly related to changes in the intestinal blood flow. 2) That, after feeding, one or several hormones capable of stimulating the acid secretion but unrelated to gastrin are probably released. These hormones could be of major importance in the response of denervated pouches to feeding.