Effect of the histamine H2-receptor antagonist, cimetidine, on gastric secretion and serum gastrin during insulin infusion in Man.

Cimetidine infusion (100 mg h-1) reduced the acid secretory response to insulin infusion (0.03 units Kg-1h-1) when compared to paired control tests in 6 healthy volunteers. There was no significant difference between cimetidine and control tests in terms of pepsin output or serum gastrin concentrations. Cimetidine also reduced the acid secretory response when administered after 90 minutes of insulin had established a secretory response in extended tests in 3 additional volunteers. Cimetidine may have therapeutic potential in the peptic ulcer diathesis.