Development of duodenal ulceration is dependent upon gastric acid secretion. Which of the following statements correctly characterizes acid secretion in duodenal ulcer patients?

b. Maximal acid output to histamine averages 40 mEq/h in duodenal ulcer patients, twice that of normal

The formation of duodenal ulcer is dependent on gastric secretion of acid and pepsin. As a group, duodenal ulcer patients have an increased capacity for gastric acid secretion relative to normal individuals, manifest by increased basal acid secretion, increased acid response to meal ingestion, and increased responsiveness to histamine stimulation. No definite evidence links abnormalities in gastrointestinal hormone secretion with increased acid secretion. Tissue gastrin content and circulating levels of gastrin are normal (excluding Zollinger-Ellison syndrome patients). Secretion of endogenous somatostatin and responsiveness to exogenously administered somatostatin are likewise normal.