In Zollinger Ellison syndrome what is raised?
**Core Concept**
Zollinger Ellison syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by excessive gastric acid production due to high levels of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the parietal cells in the stomach to secrete gastric acid. This leads to severe peptic ulcer disease and diarrhea.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In Zollinger Ellison syndrome, there is an increase in gastrin levels, primarily due to the production of gastrin by a gastrinoma, a type of neuroendocrine tumor. The gastrinoma secretes gastrin, which binds to gastrin receptors on the surface of parietal cells, leading to an increase in gastric acid production. This excessive acid production causes the symptoms associated with Zollinger Ellison syndrome.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Serum gastrin levels are not typically raised in this condition. Instead, gastrin levels are elevated due to gastrinoma production.
**Option B:** Gastric acid production is actually increased in Zollinger Ellison syndrome, not decreased.
**Option C:** The condition is characterized by excessive gastric acid production, not decreased gastric motility.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that Zollinger Ellison syndrome often presents with severe peptic ulcer disease, diarrhea, and weight loss, and that the diagnosis is typically confirmed by elevated gastrin levels and the presence of a gastrinoma.
**Correct Answer:** D. Gastrin levels.