The surface epithelial cells of the gastroduodenal mucosa are thought to be protected from the damaging effects of acid by a covering layer of mucus into which is secreted bicarbonate. It is proposed here that mucus acts as a true barrier to hydrogen ion diffusion, and that the role played by bicarbonate is to adjust mucus pH to a range at which this barrier property is optimized. It is further proposed that a high content of luminal bicarbonate will promote the transfer of protons across mucus by a buffer shuttle mechanism, and that this may be the basis for the development of peptic ulceration.

Journal Section:
Original Paper
Keywords:
Peptic ulcer, Mucus, Bicarbonate, Hydrogen ion, Buffer shuttle
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© 1983 S. Karger AG, Basel
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1983
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