Differences in antral response to meat extract in duodenal ulcer patients.

Although acid secretion is important in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer formation, the antral phase of gastric secretion has not been adequately studied. In 60 duodenal ulcer and 12 normal patients, basal, antral and peak acid secretion was investigated. Antral function was assessed by instilling meat extract sodium and measuring acid and serum gastrin output. Two groups of patients were thus identified: 1. Antral responders in whom meat extract caused a significant increase in serum gastrin and acid output. 2. Antral nonresponders in whom meat extract did not significantly lead to an elevation in gastrin and acid output.