Skip to main content
Device Global Header

Subscribe
or Renew

Advanced Search

This article is available to subscribers. Subscribe now. Already have an account? Sign in

Original ArticleFree PreviewArchive

Stimulation of Gastric Secretion and Gastrin Release by Single Oral Doses of Calcium Carbonate in Man

List of authors.
  • Jonathan A. Levant, M.D.,
  • John H. Walsh, M.D.,
  • and Jon I. Isenberg, M.D.

Abstract

In 13 fasting men with and without duodenal ulcer, oral administration of 2 g of calcium carbonate produced a significant increase (p<0.025) in gastric acid secretion above basal levels for two hours. Serum gastrin concentration increased significantly (p<0.05) 30 and 60 minutes after administration of 2 g of calcium carbonate. No significant change in acid secretion or serum gastrin occurred after oral administration of 2 g of sodium bicarbonate. In additional tests, a significant increase (p<0.05) in acid secretion occurred in each of five subjects given 0.5 g of calcium carbonate by mouth. Single oral doses of calcium carbonate thus appear capable of stimulating gastric acid secretion and gastrin release in fasting subjects with and without duodenal ulcer. (N Engl J Med 289:555–558, 1973)

Funding and Disclosures

Supported in part by a grant from Riker Laboratories, Inc., Northridge, Cal., and by Veterans Administration Research funds.

We are indebted to Mr. Vernon Maxwell, Mrs. Valena Grissom and Mr. Robert Weld for technical assistance and to Drs. Morton I. Grossman and John S. Fordtran for criticism and helpful suggestions.

Author Affiliations

From the Research and Medical Services, Gastroenterology Section, Wadsworth Hospital Center, Veterans Administration, Los Angeles, Cal. 90073 (where reprint requests should be addressed to Dr. Isenberg), and the Department of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles.

Print Subscriber? Activate your online access.