Effect of Electric Current on Gastric Hydrogen Ion and Chloride Ion Secretion

Abstract

Using the chambered gastric segment preparation it was found that application of current from serosa to mucosa resulted in an increase in H+ ion production and a decrease in Cl– ion secretion. Following the application of current from serosa to mucosa the secretory rate was essentially the same as before current application. Application of current from mucosa to serosa resulted in a decrease in H+ ion secretion and during the first 10-minute period sometimes an increase and sometimes a decrease in Cl– ion output. With continued application currents from mucosa to serosa, both the H+ ion and Cl– ion secretory rates continued to decline. Following cessation of current from mucosa to serosa the secretory rate was less than before current application. The implications of these findings are discussed in the light of a theory of HCl formation.