Effects of anti-GRP gamma-globulin on gastrin release and gastric secretion in the rat: evidence for the physiologic role of endogenous GRP in the regulation of gastric function.

To assess the effects of endogenous GRP on vagal gastrin release and acid secretion, anti-GRP gamma-globulin was infused in anesthetized rats to bind endogenously released GRP. Anti-GRP gamma-globulin blocked the gastrin-releasing effects caused by 4 micrograms/kg/hr of exogenous GRP infusion and suppressed gastrin release by electrical vagal stimulation. In spite of this suppression, anti-GRP gamma-globulin did not alter basal or vagal-stimulated acid secretion.