Gastrinaemia, tissue gastrin concentration and G cell density in the antral mucosa of swine with and without gastric ulcer of the pars oesophagea.

Gastric ulcer of the pars oesophagea (GUPO) of the stomach, which occurs spontaneously in swine, is of unknown aetiology. Because gastrin is a potent secretagogue linked to acid secretion, this study was designed to investigate, in pigs with or without GUPO, (1) basal and food-stimulated serum gastrin concentrations, (2) the concentration of tissue gastrin, and (3) gastrin-producing (G) cell density in the antral mucosa. Sixty-four pigs (32 with, and 32 without ulceration) were studied. Antral mucosa was obtained immediately after slaughter for assessment of G-cell number and tissue gastrin concentration. The presence or absence of GUPO was not significantly associated with either of the parameters measured.