Comparative Effects of Tetragastrin and Histamine on Acid and Intrinsic Factor Secretion in Man

Abstract

AbstractThe N-Carbobenzyloxy(=Cbo)-C-terminal tetrapeptide sequence of gastrin has been synthesized, and this tetragastrin has been compared with histamine with respect to acid and intrinsic factor secretion. Fifty-two patients with various gastric disorders were examined, and both stimulants were given as subcutaneous injections.Tetragastrin in doses of 5 to 10 μg/kg elicits a gastric acid secretion of the same pattern and magnitude as is found after histamine, 40 μg/kg. By doubling the dose of tetragastrin no further acid secretion was achieved.In ten men with duodenal ulcer the effects of tetragastrin, 20 μg/kg—and histamine, 40 μg/kg—upon intrinsic factor secretion were compared, and very similar secretory patterns and outputs were observed. After subcutaneous injection of tetragastrin no side effects were encountered.Key-words: Stomachgastric juicehydrochloric acidgastrin (tetrapeptide)intrinsic factorhistamine