Stimulated Gastrin-17

Gastrin-17 is the dominant form of gastrin in the healthy mucosa of the antrum. It is produced almost exclusively by the G-cells of the antrum of the stomach. Its main function is the production of hydrochloric acid and the regulation of gastric motility. An increase in its level is a sign of a decrease in the acidity of gastric juice, meaning it may indicate the development of gastritis.
With high acidity, basal gastrin may not be detected. In this case, to distinguish increased acidity of the stomach from atrophy of the mucous membranes, an additional test with a protein stimulus - stimulated gastrin - is performed. The test is intended to assess the condition of the mucosa of the antrum of the stomach and the timely detection of a pathological process in it - progressive atrophic gastritis, as well as to assess the risk of developing stomach cancer and peptic ulcer disease. Gastrin-17 is a marker of the functioning of the G-cells of the antrum of the stomach. The study can be useful for determining further tactics of examination or treatment.

Information on protein loading before the test

Important! Stimulation is provided by the intake of high-protein food or a high-protein drink after fasting for at least 4-10 hours. It is necessary to bring high-protein food/drink with you. 20 minutes after protein stimulation, blood is drawn again to assess the change in the level of stimulated gastrin-17 compared to the fasting level.

Within 3 days