EXPERIMENTAL proof has been secured supporting the postulate of Edkins that the gastric phase of secretion is mediated by the antrum of the stomach, which functions as an endocrine organ, releasing the gastric secretory stimulant, gastrin, under appropriate conditions. As is indicated in Figure 1, the release of gastrin from the mucous membrane of the antrum is brought about by local stimulation, by food, peristalsis, and distention. Inhibition of antrum function results from the contact of acid with the antrum mucosa when the concentration of acid reaches a critical level.
Experimental proof that gastrin is liberated from the antrum on contact with food or as a result of distention is illustrated in Figure 2. Food plus distention is a more adequate stimulus for gastrin release than either distention or food alone. A hypersecretion of gastric juice of antrum origin may be induced by transplanting the antrum of the stomach into