[Metabolism of endogeneous gastrin (author's transl)].

The localization of production of gastrin is rather well known, the localization of metabolic breakdown however is still being discussed. Liver, kidneys, musculature and small intestine are being taken into consideration. Experiments were performed demonstrating a definite increase of serum gastrin after removal of the small intestine; the duodenum was not removed in these experiments, since enterogastrone is formed mainly in this organ. These results would suggest, that gastrin is metabolized in the small intestine. In order to further prove this point, truncal vagotomy was performed in rabbits, producing elevated serum gastrin levels. In other series subtotal removal of the small intestine was combined with truncal vagotomy. Serum gastrin levels were definitely higher after this latter procedure than after truncal vagotomy alone. These findings seem to support the hypothesis, that endogeneous gastrin is metabolized in the small intestine.