Estimation of gastric hydrochloric acid secretion in rats by a test meal technique

Abstract

A test meal containing phenol red and hypertonic sucrose was instilled intragastrically into rats through a rubber catheter. The phenol red was used to calculate the volume of gastric contents and the amount of HCl lost from the stomach and, therefore, the quantity of HCl secreted. The stimulating effect of subcutaneous histamine on gastric HCl secretion was studied. Maximum stimulation occurred with doses of more than 2 mg of histamine phosphate. The duration of the response was 45 minutes. Doses of up to 8 mg of histamine phosphate did not produce toxic effects. A 45-minute test meal, in conjunction with a maximum stimulating dose of histamine, was used to demonstrate inhibition of acid secretion and gastric motility following topical application of p-chloromercuribenzoate to the gastric mucosa.