Question

What does gastrin do in the stomach?

Answer 1

Gastrin:

1. Gastrin is a peptide hormone that facilitates the secretion of acid (HCl) in the stomach.
2. It is produced by G cells in the stomach lining and the upper small intestine.
3. It also takes part in the conversion of the zymogen (inactive) pepsinogen into its active form pepsin.
4. It helps in digestion by promoting stomach contractions.
5. Gastrin induces the emptying of the gall bladder and pancreas. Bile and pancreatic enzymes are later used up in the small intestine to absorb food.
6. Low concentrations of gastrin can inhibit the secretion of gastric acid and lead to infections in the gut. High levels of gastrin may cause Gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome) by gastrin-producing tumors in the pancreas and the duodenum.