Measurements of maximal acid output

Abstract

After a single subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of an acid stimulant, acid output rises from a basal level to its highest rate—the peak—and then declines to basal levels again. It is possible to express acid output as that collected during the total period of stimulation, such as 1 hour after histamine, gastrin, tetragastrin and pentagastrin, 1.5–2 hours after histalog, and about 2–4 hours after insulin. Alternatively, acid output can be expressed as the collection made during the peak period of secretion. However, the principle of the variable timing of peak acid output has only recently been generally accepted.