Gastrin

Gastrin is the principal hormonal stimulant of gastric acid secretion, produced by G cells of the gastric antrum and duodenum as a prohormone processed into amidated gastrin-17 and gastrin-34. Released by peptides, amino acids and gastric distension, gastrin binds the cholecystokinin B/gastrin receptor on enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells and parietal cells, stimulating histamine release and acid output while also exerting trophic effects on the oxyntic mucosa. Gastrin release is restrained by acid via somatostatin; chronic proton pump inhibitor use therefore causes hypergastrinemia, and gastrinoma-driven Zollinger-Ellison syndrome produces refractory ulcers. Elevated progastrin and amidated gastrin have trophic roles in colorectal and gastric carcinogenesis, making the gastrin pathway a drug development focus.