Serotoninergic stimulation of gastrin secretion.

The effect of serotonin (10 mg/kg weight) on the gastrin serum levels in rats has been studied. Serum concentrations of gastrin increase significantly from the 56.52 +/- 6.68 pg/ml basal value to 116.87 +/- 3.27 pg/ml at 105 minutes, whereas gastrin in control animals decreases progressively throughout that time. Serum concentration of serotonin was also measured at different times after its administration. An increase to 3.31 +/- 0.6 microgram/ml, maximum value, at 90 minutes was observed anteceding the gastrin peak by 15 minutes.