THE BICARBONATE-MUCOUS BARRIER IN PATIENTS WITH GASTRODUODENAL PATHOLOGY

An important role in the protection of the gastric and duodenal mucosa is played by bicarbonates. Gastric secretion of bicarbonates was examined in 42 patients with gastroduodenal pathology. Basal secretion of bicarbonates by the stomach was approximately the same (0.84 +/- 0.07 mmol/h) in patients with chronic gastritis, gastroduodenitis and peptic ulcer. After stimulation of gastric glands with a 5% alcoholic solution gastric secretion of bicarbonates increased in patients with chronic gastritis whereas in patients with peptic ulcer and gastroduodenitis, it significantly reduced. A inverse relationship was discovered between bicarbonate production and hydrochloric acid secretion. In patients with peptic ulcer, the reduction of bicarbonate and mucus output by the stomach is viewed as one of the mechanisms of ulcerogenesis.