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Gastrin 17 in serum.
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Reference values (norm) for the concentration of gastrin 17 in the blood serum in adults are less than 2.5 pmol/l.
Gastrin 17 (G-17) is produced almost exclusively by the antral G cells of the gastric mucosa, consists of 17 amino acids and is a mature hormone. The release of gastrin 17 is enhanced by the vagus nerve, as well as by mechanical and chemical irritation of the antral part of the stomach. Chemical stimulators of gastrin 17 secretion are products of protein digestion (peptides and amino acids, extractive substances of meat and vegetables). If the pH in the pyloric part of the stomach decreases (with increased secretion of hydrochloric acid), the release of gastrin 17 decreases, and at pH 1 it completely stops.
Considering the fact that gastrin 17 is synthesized almost exclusively in the cells of the antral part of the gastric mucosa, determining its concentration in the blood serum can be used to assess its condition. Due to the fact that the concentration of gastrin 17 in the blood serum is normally very low, it is necessary to conduct the study against the background of a stimulation test. After a 10-hour overnight fast, the patient receives standard solid and liquid food. Blood samples for research are taken on an empty stomach before eating and 20 minutes later. Normally, the concentration of gastrin 17 in the blood serum 20 minutes after stimulation should be more than 2 times higher than the initial level. With atrophy of the mucous membrane of the antral part of the stomach, the increase in the level of gastrin 17 is less pronounced or absent. There is a correlation between the magnitude of the increase in the concentration of gastrin 17 in the blood in response to stimulation and the degree of atrophy of the mucous membrane of the antral part of the stomach. Thus, the stimulation test allows us to determine the presence and severity of atrophy.
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