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Fasting and after meals serum gastrin levels were determined in healthy subjects and patients with different gastroenterological diseases (duodenal and gastric ulcer, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux, Billroth II gastric resection, atrophic gastritis, Zollinger-Ellison, Ménétrier, chronic calcifying pancreatitis, gastric carcinoma and lymphoma). The results pointed to the usefulness of evaluating both fasting levels and "gastrin curve" after meals as an expression of the rapidity of response of hormone-secreting gastric cells. Calculation of the I.G.O. (Integrated Gastrin Output) must also be carried out to provide a parameter from which the overall ability of G cells to secrete in response to feeding can be assessed.

Aspecific immunosuppression in neoplasia has long been known, even though all its biological aspects are not yet fully understood. Inhibition of leukocyte migration (LIF) was studied before and after the use of levamisole in vitro to determine whether changes occurred in cell reactivity. The results of the investigation are discussed in the light of modern immunopathological theories.

Serum GOT, GPT, LDH, CHE, MDH, SDH, PK, GLDM, LAP and amylase levels and serum ammonia were determined in 49 major burn cases with 2nd and 3rd degree lesions covering 25% to 80% of the body surface. GOT, GPT, LDH, CHE and gamma-GT have above normal in all cases. Limited and inconsistent movements were noted for the remaining enzymes. Blood ammonia was constantly increased and it is felt that the enzyme picture may be of considerable prognostic value in major burn cases.

On the basis of some experimental observations of hypergastrinemia in animals chronically intoxicated with ethanol, both fasting and after meals serum gastrin were determined in patients affected by chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. A significant increase in serum gastrin levels was observed in patients with chronic pancreatitis compared with controls, both in basal conditions and following food stimulation. The physiopathological hypotheses and possible aetiopathogenetic implications suggested by such gastrin behaviour are discussed.

Radiation treatment using low power laser beams is recommended for chronic or recurring lesions. Personal experience is reported with emphasis on the fact that He-Ne laser treatment should be employed when topical or surgical therapy fails.

The results of protein deficiency in major burn cases are examined. They include diminished organ resistance, deleyed wound haeling, proneness to infection, and increased sensitivity to liver-toxic substances, leading to the protracted course of the patient's conditions. Since his caloric intake also needs to be increased, the importance of protein replacement is apparent. A standardised 15-day treatment with daily administrations of 1000 cc of a 7.5% natural amino acid solution was experimented during the period following shock, to prevent loss of amino acids through the vessel walls, since permeability is high in this periodo. Marked improvement in blood proteins was noted, with normalisation in some instances. No chagens in blood chemistry attributable to the treatment were noted.