Main Entry: Hol·land·er test

Pronunciation: \ˈhäl-ən-dər-\

Function: noun

: a test for function of the vagus nerve (as after vagotomy for peptic ulcer) in which insulin is administered to induce hypoglycemia and gastric acidity tends to increase if innervation by the vagus nerve remains and decrease if severance is complete

Hollander, Franklin (1899–1966), American physiologist. Hollander as a gastrointestinal physiologist made major contributions to the study of gastric secretions. One of his most important studies centered on vagal innervation of the stomach of dogs. This led to the development of a test using insulin to show whether the human vagus nerve is functioning. The test was introduced in a 1942 paper and is now identified with his name.