[Defense mechanisms of the gastroduodenal mucosa: the role of mucus and bicarbonate in the development of peptic ulcer].

The existing knowledge of the mucus and bicarbonate production of the gastroduodenal mucosa is reviewed. Mucus and bicarbonate are produced in the surface epithelium of both duodenum and ventricle. The production is regulated by neural stimuli, gastrointestinal hormones and local synthesis of prostaglandins. Several of the factors suspected of being of importance to the development of peptic ulcers also have a negative influence on the production of mucus and bicarbonate. This indicates that mucus and bicarbonate are important in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer. Two newly registered so-called mucosaprotective anti-ulcer drugs (De-Nol, Succralfat) both exert positive influences on the production of mucus and bicarbonate.