gastrinstimulated

Gastrin-stimulated, or gastrinstimulated, refers to cellular or physiological responses that are induced by the hormone gastrin. Gastrin is a peptide hormone produced mainly by G cells in the gastric antrum, with several molecular forms such as gastrin-17 and gastrin-34. It acts primarily through the CCK-B/gastrin receptor.

The main targets of gastrin are the stomach’s gastric mucosa and the parietal cells. Gastrin stimulates parietal cells to secrete hydrochloric acid, an effect enhanced when histamine is released from enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells in response to gastrin. Gastrin also promotes histamine release from ECL cells, which further drives acid secretion. In addition to its secretory role, gastrin has trophic effects, supporting growth and maintenance of the gastric mucosa, including glandular proliferation.

Regulation of gastrin release involves multiple cues. Luminal peptides and amino acids in the stomach stimulate gastrin secretion, and vagal stimulation via gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) also enhances release. Gastrin secretion is inhibited by gastric acid through a negative feedback mechanism, with somatostatin and intragastric pH acting as additional modulators.

Clinical relevance centers on conditions that alter gastrin activity. Elevated gastrin, such as from gastrin-secreting tumors (gastrinoma), causes Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, characterized by excessive acid production and peptic ulcers. Treatments may target acid secretion directly or address the underlying gastrin excess. Understanding gastrin-stimulated processes helps explain normal digestion as well as pathophysiology in acid-related disorders.