[Chronic alcoholic pancreatitis and blood gastrin]

On the basis of some experimental observations of hypergastrinemia in animals chronically intoxicated with ethanol, both fasting and after meals serum gastrin were determined in patients affected by chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. A significant increase in serum gastrin levels was observed in patients with chronic pancreatitis compared with controls, both in basal conditions and following food stimulation. The physiopathological hypotheses and possible aetiopathogenetic implications suggested by such gastrin behaviour are discussed.