Serum immunoreactive gastrin concentrations in the dog: basal and postprandial values measured by radioimmunoassay.

A commercially available radioimmunoassay designed for quantitating human gastrin was evaluated for use in quantitating dog gastrin. Because of the similarities in molecular structures of the two, the assay appears to be useful for dogs. Serum gastrin concentration in 12 fasting dogs averaged 64.8 pg/ml. After dogs were fed, the concentration increased to 117.8 pg/ml within 30 minutes and returned to base line by 90 minutes. A standard feeding procedure may be useful in evaluating dogs with gastrinoma.