Let me share with you a difference between gastrin and gastric juice.
| Aspect | Gastrin | Gastric Juice |
| Introduction | Gastrin is a hormone produced by G cells in the stomach and duodenum | Gastric juice is a digestive fluid secreted by gastric glands in the stomach lining |
| Release | Released in response to the presence of food, especially proteins, in the stomach | Released in response to the sight, smell, taste, or presence of food, triggering neural and hormonal signals |
| Function | Stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and promotes gastric motility | Gastric juice is a complex mixture that includes hydrochloric acid, pepsinogen, mucus and intrinsic factor; it aids in the digestion of food |
| Target cells/organs | Acts on parietal cells in the stomach lining to stimulate acid secretion | Secreted into the stomach lumen to mix with ingested food and initiate the digestion process |
| Regulation | Regulated by neural and hormonal signals, including the presence of amino acids and peptides in the stomach | Regulated by neural signals (vagus nerve) and hormonal signals (gastrin-releasing peptide, acetylcholine) |
| Effects on stomach | Increases gastric motility and enhances the secretion of gastric juice | Facilitates the breakdown of proteins into peptides and amino acids |
| Effects on acid production | Stimulates parietal cells to release hydrochloric acid, which lowers the pH of the stomach | Contributes to the acidic nature of gastric juice, which aids in the digestion of proteins |
| Associated diseases | Zollinger-Ellison syndrome | Imbalances lead to digestive disorders, such as peptic ulcers |