Abstract

Gastric and serum immunoreactive gastrin levels and gastric pH were investigated in both fasting and postprandial states of five Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. A third study with the same animals employed oral antacid administration. With each dolphin acting as its own control, results were examined for correlation among serum gastrin and forestomach gastrin levels and pH. In addition, the effect of antacid treatment of these parameters was determined. The results of these studies are presented. Their indications and possible applications are discussed.

Notes

Forestomach pH was 0.75-1.8 before feeding and about 3 after feeding fish. Hyperplasia of pituitary or pancreas, duodenal and gastric ulcers cause an increased enteral gastrin level. High dietary concentration of histamine may play a role in gastric ulcers. Treatment with antacids increased forestomach pH. Correlation between serum and forestomach gastrin may in future shed light on the cause of ulcers.