Secretory and metabolic effects of ethanol in the isolated amphibian gastric mucosa.

The effects of pure ethanol and some alcoholic beverages on acid secretion and metabolism were examined in the isolated toad gastric mucosa. Pure ethanol applied to the luminal side or to the submucosal side at low concentrations (2%-10%) was a potent stimulant of acid secretion, whereas high concentrations (greater than or equal to 20%) were inhibitory. Cimetidine and calcium-free solutions did not abolish the secretory effect of ethanol. Beer and wine, but not rum and whisky, caused a significant stimulation of acid secretion. Respiration was progressively increased by ethanol at concentrations between 2% and 20%. This effect was not affected by cimetidine or by SCH 28080, an inhibitor of the gastric hydrogen-potassium-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase. Ethanol (10%) significantly increased by 46% the tissue lactate-pyruvate ratio. The oxidations of glucose, butyrate, and acetate were progressively reduced by low concentrations of ethanol (5% and 10%). The results indicate that (a) low concentrations of ethanol and alcoholic beverages with low ethanol content are direct stimulants of acid secretion and (b) the secretory and metabolic effects of low concentrations of ethanol seem to be mediated via its oxidation.