Inhibition of gastrin secretion by sulpiride treatment in duodenal ulcer patients.

The serum gastrin response to whole beef extract was measured in 14 duodenal ulcer patients before and after sulpiride administration. A significant inhibition of response was found both after acute intramuscular injection of the drug and after oral administration for 1 week. Fasting serum gastrin was also significantly reduced after chronic treatment; gastric acid secretion did not change. Although the mechanism of the gastrin-lowering action of sulpiride is unknown, it could be mediated by some known effects(s) of the drug, such as modifications in brain monoamine metabolism or perhaps reduced growth hormone secretion.