Changes in Canine Gastric Acid Output and Serum Gastrin Levels Following Massive Small Intestinal Resection

Vagally denervated (Heidenhain) pouch acid outputs and serum gastrin concentrations, basal and in response to feeding, were measured in dogs before and after massive intestinal resection. Both 24-hr and postprandial Heidenhain pouch acid outputs increased (P < 0.01) after intestinal resection. Increases in serum gastrin concentrations following feeding were greater after massive resection of the small intestine. There was an excellent correlation (r = 0.967; P < 0.005) between increases in serum gastrin concentrations and Heidenhain pouch acid outputs after intestinal resection. These studies support and are consistent with the hypothesis that the polypeptide hormone gastrin plays a role in the production of the gastric acid hypersecretion which, in both dogs and man, frequently results from massive resection of the small intestine.