DIFFERENCES IN GASTRIC ACID OUTPUT IN RESPONSE TO HISTAMINE BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE GUINEA PIGS

Abstract

Gastric acid secretion in response to graded doses of histamine was determined in 32 male and 50 female guinea pigs. The findings were as follows, (a) The subcutaneous injection of 0.1 mg histamine per kg brought about an identical response in both sexes, (b) Following the administration of 0.2 mg of histamine per kg, both the volume and the acidity were found to be higher in the male than in the female guinea pigs, (c) The subcutaneous injection of 0.4 mg histamine per kg induced a maximal secretory response in both sexes. Under these circumstances, the secretory response (volume, free and total acidity) was found to be significantly higher in the male guinea pigs, (d) Similar results could be obtained after the subcutaneous injection of 0.8 or 1.2 mg histamine per kg. It is concluded that the 'maximum' response to histamine of gastric acid secretion is significantly greater in the male than in the female guinea pig.