Gastrin: what it is, the functions of the hormone in the body

1 The value of the hormone in the digestive tract

The main function of gastrin in the work of the gastrointestinal tract is to increase the acidity of hydrochloric acid to the level necessary for normal digestion of food. Gastrin is a protein and therefore contains amino acids. Depending on this, three types of this hormone are distinguished:

1. Gastrin 14. Its half-life is 5 minutes.
2. Gastrin 17. Half-life occurs within 5 minutes.
3. Gastrin 34. It is characterized by the fact that it is initially produced by the cells of the pancreas, and then transformed into another form - gastrin 17. The half-life is about 42 minutes.

After activation of gastrin in the stomach, it binds to special receptors that react to this hormone. As a result, there is an increase in the secretion of hydrochloric acid and pepsins to the required level of acidity. In addition, gastrin prevents the premature delivery of the food lump to the small intestine, enabling maximum and thorough processing. Activation of gastrin occurs under the influence of such factors as:

• intake of food in the stomach;
• Stretching of the walls of the stomach;
• other hormones and substances, such as histamine, insulin, adrenaline, calcium.

To ensure the normal functioning of the stomach, gastrin causes an increase in the content of prostaglandins for vasodilation and increased blood supply in the digestive organ. In addition, it protects the walls of the stomach from the corrosive effects of its juice. This is achieved through the production of bicarbonates and special mucus.

Another no less important function of gastrin is the preparation and stimulation of digestion in the small intestine. This is due to the development of special pepsins and enzymes, which occurs under the influence of gastrin. After these substances fulfill their function, the hormone gastrin levels should decrease. This is necessary to ensure the rest of the stomach after leaving the food lump.

2 Norms and causes of their change

Normally, the level of gastrin in the blood is different and depends on the age of the person. In adults, it ranges from 25 to 90 pmol / l. Its quantity can either increase or decrease. In any case, this indicates the presence of some pathology. Thus, the indicator increases with the following conditions:

• peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
• anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12;
• chronic atrophic gastritis;
• malignant neoplasm in the stomach;
• chronic renal failure;
• tumor in the pancreas - gastrinoma.

With gastric ulcer, the level of gastrin is always elevated, regardless of food intake. If the ulcerative process affected the duodenum, then the content of this hormone increases sharply only after eating. The parameters of gastrin are always lowered if the porcine was removed or vagotomy was performed-excision of the vagus nerve. And a decrease in gastrin is observed in hyperthyroidism. This is a condition in which the function of the thyroid gland is excessively active.

The normalization of the level of gastrin is performed under the guidance of a doctor and after the analysis is given. Methods of treatment are directly dependent on what caused the increase in this hormone. So, if it was a gastritis, then it is necessary to adhere to a special diet and take medications to eliminate the underlying disease. If the cause is a disruption in the thyroid gland, then you need to pay attention to the normalization of its functioning.