The effect of increased gastrin release on lower esophageal sphincter pressure.

The present study was performed to induce release of endogenous gastrin from the chronic isolated antrum, and to note the effect of endogenous gastrin on lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP). Fifteen mongrel dogs weighing 15-20 kg were divided into 3 groups by the type of operation: 5 dogs with antral excision and B-II gastrojejunostomy (Group I); 5 dogs with a denervated antral pouch and B-II (Group II); and 5 dogs with an innervated antral pouch and B-II (Group III). Fasting serum gastrin levels (SGL) and LESP were determined preoperatively (basal) and at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. SGL was measured by radioimmunoassay using an antibody to human gastrin I. LESP was determined by pullthrough technique using an assembly of 3 polyvinyl tubes perfused with water at 0.6 ml/min and connected to external transducers. The mean SGL at 2 and 4 weeks after operation in Group I and in Group II were not significantly different from basal SGL. The SGL rose significantly at 2 weeks and 4 weeks in Group III (p less than 0.05). The mean LESP at 2 and 4 weeks did not significantly change from the basal LESP in Group I, Group II and Group III. The present data show that increased endogenous gastrin was produced only in the presence of an innervated antral pouch, and the increased gastrin level, however, did not affect LESP.