[Active HCO3(-)Secretion in the gastric-mucosa. A causal factor in peptic ulcer disease? (author's transl)]

Studies during the last few years have revealed evidence of active secretion of HCO3(-) in the gastric mucosa both in vitro and in vivo. This transport process presumably has considerable importance for the protection of the gastric epithelium, disturbance must be considered a causal factor in the pathogenesis of gastric ulcer. The HCO3(-)-transport is subject to autonomic control. It is inhibited by drugs with an ulcerogenic action and stimulated by anti-ulcerogenic prostaglandins. The results available up to now raise the probability of the physiologic and pathophysiologic significance of the HCO3(-)-transport system. Clinical investigations must demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of control of the alkali secretion in the gastric mucous membrane.