Characteristics of adrenocortical function, gastrin release and gastric secretion in duodenal ulcer etiology.

Measurements of serum cortisol and gastrin along with gastric acid-pepsin secretion in the resting state were carried out in gastric and duodenal ulcer patients. Increased basal corticosteroid concentrations were observed in patients with duodenal ulcer and gastric ulcer. Higher concentrations of the hormone were observed in the former group (P less than 0.05 for the latter). Fasting gastrin levels were significantly higher in gastric ulcer patients where gastric secretion is low than those in duodenal ulcer patients (P less than 0.001). These results suggest that the effect of adrenal cortical hormone on lowering the threshold of oxyntic gland cell reactivity against gastrin is an important factor in duodenal ulcer etiology. Extra-antral control mechanism(s) of gastric acid-pepsin secretion should not be overlooked.