Apelin-12 stimulates acid secretion through an increase of histamine release in rat stomachs

► We studied the action of apelin-12 on the secretion of gastric acid. ► Apelin-12 increased acid output in gastric lumen-perfused rat stomachs. ► Famotidine, inhibited apelin-12-stimulated acid secretion. ► Apelin-12 stimulated histamine secretion and synthesis in rat stomachs. ► The results indicate that apelin plays a role in the secretion of gastric acid.