THE INHIBITORY INFLUENCE OF THE ACIDITY OF THE GASTRIC CONTENTS ON THE SECRETION OF ACID BY THE STOMACH

Abstract

Using a 2% Liebig''s extract test meal it was found that when the Liebig''s extract was dissolved in HC1 solutions there was a progressive inhibition of acid secretion as the strength of the acid was increased. No inhibition occurred until the acidity was above 0.56 N but it was often nearly complete when 0.10 N acid solutions were used. The results are due to true inhibition of acid secretion and not to destruction of secretogogue in the Liebig''s extract, increased duodenal regurgitation or absorption of acid from the stomach. The inhibitory phenomenon is of intragastric origin since it occurs in the stomach isolated from the intestine. The composition of the acid and non-acid fluids entering the stomach is not altered when acid inhibition occurs. A reduction in the secretion of acid fluid is the only change. Evidence is presented which suggests that the inhibition is not du to hormone action. The inhibition noted in the present studies is possibly largely or solely due to inhibition of the gastric phases of secretion, since the cephalic and intestinal phases are probably not active under the conditions of the expts.