Gastrin is produced in the mucosa of the stomach and then released into the bloodstream. Via receptors in the stomach, gastrin stimulates the secretion of gastric acid, thereby lowering pH. At the same time, it stimulates the gastrointestinal muscles. Gastrin release is stimulated by gastric distension, roasting substances, caffeine or alcohol, and vagus stimulation.Highly acidic gastric contents inhibit the release.If increased gastrin is released, it inhibits the secretion of gastric acid.
The procedure
Material needed
- Blood serum
Preparation of the patient
Interfering factors
- Immediate processing or frozen shipping required
Standard values
| Normal value in ng/l | < 90 |
Indications
- Suspected gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) – usually a malignant tumor that originates in the pancreas (pancreas) in two-thirds of cases and leads to increased gastrin production
Interpretation
Interpretation of increased values
- Bacterial gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa).
- Chronic atrophic gastritis (gastric mucosal inflammation leading to regression of the mucosa), with/without pernicious anemia (the most common subtype of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia)
- Gastrinoma
- Hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism)
- Short bowel syndrome – chronic digestive failure that occurs after extensive resection of the small intestine – removal of parts of the small intestine.
- Renal insufficiency (kidney weakness).
- Pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the pylorus)
- Ulcus duodeni (duodenal ulcer)
- Medication
- Antacids – stomach acid-binding drugs such as aluminum hydroxide.
- H2 antagonists – stomach acid blockers such as ranitidine.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) – gastric acid blockers such as omeprazole.
Slightly elevated values also occur after eating (postprandial).
Interpretation of decreased values
- Not known
Notes
- Levels > 1,000 ng/l (and an intragastric pH of < 2.5) are evidence of gastrinoma.
- At levels between 90-1,000 ng/l, a gastrin stimulation test should be performed.
