What is a major consequence of hypergastrinemia?

Hypergastrinemia refers to an elevated level of the hormone gastrin in the bloodstream, which primarily stimulates the gastric mucosa to produce hydrochloric acid. When gastrin levels are high, the result is typically an increase in the secretion of hydrochloric acid from the stomach's parietal cells. This elevated acid production can lead to various gastrointestinal issues, including peptic ulcers or gastritis.

Understanding the physiological role of gastrin is crucial; it promotes gastric motility and the secretion of gastric juices, which are essential for digestion. Therefore, increased gastrin levels directly correlate with increased hydrochloric acid production, making this the major consequence of hypergastrinemia.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the effects of elevated gastrin. For example, reduced stomach acidity would contradict the role of gastrin, which is to stimulate acid secretion. Excessive insulin secretion is not connected to gastrin levels, and stomach lining repair typically involves different hormonal factors and processes unrelated to gastrin itself.