Summary
While it is known that ulcer “runs” in families, nothing has been known about gastric functions of the healthy members of such families, which have to be considered as potential ulcer patients. Therefore, the gastric function was tested in 82 healthy relatives of ulcer patients, not having stomach or intestinal complaints. The response of this group to an Ewald meal revealed too low values for free acidity in both males and females and the presence of much free acid in the resting stomachs of a great number of them. The abnormal response to the Ewald meal and possibly also the high acidity of the resting stomach may be interpreted as predisposing to gastritis. It may be the expression, however, of an abnormal gastric mechanism, so far unknown, which may produce both, abnormal secretion and ulcer. Dietary, hygienic, and social adjustment as prophylaxis for ulcer is advocated among the healthy members of ulcer families.
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From the Stomach Study Group and the Gastro-Intestinal Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Michael Reese Hospital, Chicago.
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Meyer, J., Maskin, M., Necheles, H. et al. Studies on constitution and ulcer. American Journal of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition 3, 474–477 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03000733
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03000733