The Hollander insulin test is used to confirm which condition?

The Hollander insulin test is used to confirm which condition?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Vagotomy
• C. Pancreatectomy
• D. Insulinoma

Answer: (B)

The test relies on the vagus nerve’s role in stimulating gastric acid secretion when the body experiences hypoglycemia. When insulin is given, it lowers blood glucose, triggering a vagal reflex that increases acid production by the stomach. If the vagus nerve has been cut (vagotomy), this reflex is blunted or absent, so gastric acid output does not rise as it normally would. By measuring the gastric acid response after inducing hypoglycemia, clinicians can determine whether vagal innervation remains intact or has been effectively severed. A diminished acid response supports that vagotomy has been achieved.

The test relies on the vagus nerve’s role in stimulating gastric acid secretion when the body experiences hypoglycemia. When insulin is given, it lowers blood glucose, triggering a vagal reflex that increases acid production by the stomach. If the vagus nerve has been cut (vagotomy), this reflex is blunted or absent, so gastric acid output does not rise as it normally would. By measuring the gastric acid response after inducing hypoglycemia, clinicians can determine whether vagal innervation remains intact or has been effectively severed. A diminished acid response supports that vagotomy has been achieved.