Abstract

The effects of continuous intravenous infusions of `maximal' and `supramaximal' doses of histamine acid phosphate and pentagastrin were assessed in a normal human volunteer. The secretory patterns in respect of the two drugs were indistinguishable over two and a quarter hours. During the steady states of acid secretion, outputs of pepsin and of electrolytes were also constant. The output of acid during the first hour of the steady state is a valid measurement of the maximal secretory capacity. The constant output of pepsin during the steady state of acid secretion suggests that both drugs are true stimulants of pepsin secretion.