GASTRIC ACIDITY IN THE GUINEA‐PIG

Abstract

1. Using a simple technique for the aspiration of stomach contents from the unanæsthetized guinea‐pig, the acidity of the gastric juice has been studied. 2. The fasting gastric juice of the guinea‐pig shows considerable variation in acidity, free acid ranging from 6 to 80 ml. and total acid from 40 to 136 ml. N/10 HCl per 100 ml. gastric juice in 15 animals studied. 3. Persistent achlorhydria was not encountered in a series of over 50 healthy adult guinea‐pigs. 4. Both in the anæsthetized and the unanæsthetized guinea‐pig, histamine produces a copious flow of highly acid gastric juice, the degree of acidity reaching maximal values similar to those in larger animals such as the cat and the dog.