Digestive System
A 45-year-old patient presents to the clinic with complaints of frequent bloating, indigestion, and a feeling of fullness after eating. Upon further questioning, the patient reveals that they have been experiencing difficulty in digesting fatty foods and often feel nauseous after meals. Blood tests reveal elevated serum levels of gastric acid. An endoscopic exam shows no signs of ulcers, but the small intestine appears to be slightly inflamed.
Based on this which hormone is most likely being overproduced in response to the acidity of the stomach, and what is its role in regulating the digestive process?
What is secretin is likely being overproduced in response to the acidic chyme entering the duodenum. Secretin is released by the S cells of the duodenum when acidic contents from the stomach enter the small intestine. The hormone stimulates the pancreas to secrete sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the acid, providing an optimal pH environment for enzyme activity in the small intestine. In this case, an overproduction of secretin could be compensating for the high acid levels, potentially leading to digestive issues, including difficulty digesting fats.