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Cyclic AMP and gastric secretion: the illusive second messenger
Advances in Cyclic Nucleotide Research
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Evidence does not support cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) as a necessary intermediate for stomach acid secretion. Methodological issues and contradictory data challenge this widely accepted hypothesis.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The "second messenger hypothesis" proposes intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) mediates stomach acid secretion.
- This hypothesis has become a dominant paradigm in gastric secretory physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the literature supporting the role of cAMP in gastric acid secretion.
- To identify limitations and alternative interpretations of existing evidence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical analysis of existing studies.
- Examination of data in the context of established gastric secretion regulation and cAMP signaling.
Main Results:
- Evidence supporting the cAMP hypothesis is insufficient and inconsistent.
- Methodological challenges in biological preparations and assays render much data unreliable.
- Contradictory evidence exists that is as compelling as supporting data.
Conclusions:
- The proposed role of cAMP as a necessary intermediate in gastric acid secretion lacks robust support.
- Existing evidence is challenged by physiological inconsistencies, technical limitations, and contradictory findings.
- Further research into gastric mucosal metabolism is encouraged, but the current paradigm requires re-evaluation.