Effects of Antral Ethanol on Gastric Acid Secretion, Potential Difference, and Serum Gastrin

Summary The possible stimulatory, inhibitory, or absent effect of antral perfusion with ethanol on gastric acid secretion and transmucosal potential difference was studied using an in vivo chambered fundic segment and isolated antral pouch preparation with intact blood supply. The preparation was proven responsive to exogenous gastrin with pentagastrin iv infusion (6 μg/kg-hr) and to endogenous gastrin with acetylcho-line chloride (0.5%) and glycine (1 M) perfusion of the antral pouch. Peripheral venous serum gastrin concentration increased in response to antral perfusion with glycine with a slight increase in fundic acid secretion. A small increase in peripheral serum gastrin without a corresponding increase in acid output occurred during antral perfusion with 20% ethanol. No significant differences were found in either potential difference or acid output between saline and ethanol groups, or between histamine and histamine-plus-ethanol groups. These data suggest that ethanol-stimulated antral gastrin release is insufficient to stimulate or potentiate gastric acid secretion during acute conditions in the anesthetized dog. We are greatly indebted to Dr. L. R. Johnson for his advice and for the measurements of serum gastrin. The technical assistance of Ms. Merle Stone, Mr. Thomas Ma, and Ms. Yuh-Jyh Kuo is appreciated. These investigations were supported by NIH Grant No. 2 R01 AA-00194-05. Dr. Shanbour is the recipient of Research Scientist Development Award 5 K02-AA-70463-04.