Serum gastrin and secretin levels after the Exalto-Mann-Williamson procedure.

The Exalto-Mann-Williamson procedure produces peptic ulceration in nearly 100% of experimental animals but the mechanism is unknown. To investigate the possible hormonal role of the gastric acid hypersecretion seen after this procedure, we investigated preoperative and postoperative serum gastrin and secretin concentrations. There was no significant change in serum gastrin; however, serum secretin concentrations increased to 2 1/2 times the preoperatve value, most likely secondary to the enhanced secretion of gastric acid. These data do not suppport the theory that alterations in circulating secretin or gastrin levels are responsible for the gastric acid hypersecretion following the Exalto-Mann-Williamson operation.