STIMULATION OF GASTRIN RELEASE BY CATECHOLAMINES

Plasma-gastrin levels measured by radioimmunoassay were found to be elevated in two patients with phaeochromocytoma. Both the administration of phenoxybenzamine and the later removal of the tumour reduced the fasting plasma-gastrin level to normal. The intravenous infusion of adrenaline in dogs produced a rise in plasma-gastrin level. It is concluded that catecholamines stimulate gastrin release.