Gastrin
Definition A test that measures the amount of gastrin in the blood. Gastrin is the major hormone that regulates acid secretion in the stomach.
Why is the Test Performed?
This test may be ordered when disorders associated with abnormal gastrin production are suspected. Too much gastrin causes severe peptic ulcer disease.
Gastrin is a hormone produced by specialized cells in the stomach. When there is food in the stomach, gastrin is secreted into the blood. Gastrin in the bloodstream stimulates cells in the stomach to secreted acid (HCl). Small amounts of gastrin may also be produced by the pancreas and possibly the intestines. As stomach and intestinal acidity rises, gastrin production normally decreases..
Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a gastrin-producing tumor which may be present in the stomach or pancreas. G-cell hyperplasia is an overactivity of the gastrin producing cells of the stomach.
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