[Defense mechanisms of the gastroduodenal mucosa]

A better knowledge of the mechanisms implicated in maintaining the integrity of gastroduodenal mucosa, suggests that apart from gastric acid, other--maybe equally important--factors are implicated in the genesis of acute and chronic lesions. Several intra and extracellular mechanisms have been identified which play a role in the "cytoprotection" phenomenon. More recently, the importance of the enteric nervous system, immune-mucosal system and motility of gastrointestinal tract, in all processes of defense and cellular restitution, has been pointed out. The effects on treatment derived from this knowledge are evident, even though the majority of them are hypothesis. They are an important line of pharmacology research. Further definition of the role in prevention and treatment of peptic ulcer disease of selective vasodilators, immunomodulators and mitotic agents as the epidermal growth factor needs to be carried out.