A METHOD FOR ESTIMATING THE RATES OF GASTRIC SECRETION AND EMPTYING

Abstract

The dilution indicator, phenol red, was used to measure rates of gastric secretion and emptying. A test meal containing 2.5 mgm. phenol red was introduced into the stomach through a tube, the stomach contents mixed, and a sample aspirated. The volume of stomach contents was calculated from the immediate dilution of the phenol red. At the end of a 20 min. test period the stomach volume was again estimated by sampling before and after the addition of 1.0 mgm. phenol red. From the known volume of gastric contents and the known concentration of phenol red the rates of gastric secretion and emptying were calculated from the equations (1) [Formula: see text], (2) [Formula: see text]. Q0 and Q are the quantities of dye at the beginning and end of a test period of t minutes' duration; V0 and V are volumes of stomach contents at these times and A and B are the rates of secretion and emptying respectively. The results of 10 experiments are presented.