Effects of a naturally occurring polyamine on acid secretion by isolated gastric mucosa

Determination of the effects of spermine on acid secretion by isolated rabbit gastric mucosa shows paradoxical responses at neutral luminal pH. Initial inhibition of acid secretion was followed by a return to near basal rates. However, measurement of mucosal and serosal rates of CO2 release indicated that spermine causes prolonged inhibition of acid secretion. Similar prolonged inhibition is seen with mucosa exposed to an acidic luminal pH. The inhibitory effect of spermine is reversed by the addition of K+ to the mucosal side, suggesting spermine interferes with a K+ site at the secretory membrane. Serosal addition of spermine is without effect. The apparent acid secretory rebound phenomenon observed after the addition of spermine is most likely related to formation of H+ in the luminal bathing solution rather than proton secretion by the mucosa.