Distension of the Pyloric Antrum as a Stimulus for Gastrin Release

In their classic paper published in 1925, Lim et al first demonstrated that distention of the stomach stimulated gastric acid secretion.1Almost three decades later the important site for distention was found to be in the pyloric antrum and the mechanism involved was defined as release of the hormone, gastrin.2,3The importance of pH and the submucosal parasympathetic plexus have been clearly delineated.3-5The purpose of the present study is to relate quantitatively distention of the vagally innervated pyloric antrum to the amount of gastrin released. Method Four mongrel dogs, weighing 15 to 18 kg, were prepared with a denervated fundic (Heidenhain) pouch and a vagally innervated antral pouch, using a method previously described.3The antrum was mapped using the technique of histamine and congo red in order to exclude acid-secreting gastric mucosa from the antral pouch.6The pyloric end of the antrum was brought