?:definition
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Immunoassay reagents intended to perform qualitative and/or quantitative analyses on a body fluid sample (typically serum) to determine gastrin, a generic name for a group of polypeptide hormones secreted by the endocrine glands of the gastrointestinal tract and also by the brain. Gastrin stimulates gastric acid and pepsinogen secretion; it exists at least in three molecular forms: big gastrin (G-34), little gastrin (G-17), and mini gastrin (G-14). All of these circulate in either sulfated or nonsulfated forms. Immunoassays for gastrin are typically specific for the C-terminal of gastrin; they react equally with all gastrin molecules either in sulfated or nonsulfated forms. Highly increased levels of gastrin in serum are associated with pancreatic and duodenal endocrine tumors (i.e., gastrinomas). High levels are found in patients with common peptic ulcers and other diseases, such as pernicious anemia, chronic renal failure, and rheumatoid arthritis.
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