Mode of Action of Histamine in Causing Gastric Secretion in Man.

EDITORIAL SYNOPSIS The pattern of gastric secretion has been studied in a series of patients following the augmented histamine test and the insulin test. In the same patient, the amount of acid and pepsin secreted is remarkably similar following these two tests. In both, acid and pepsin secretion is inhibited to a similar degree by small doses of hexamethonium and atropine. It is concluded that the action of histamine in causing gastric secretion in man is not a specific one on the acidsecreting cells, nor does it act directly upon these cells. It is suggested that histamine acts through