Comparative effects of aliphatic alcohols on the gastric mucosa.

Abstract

SummaryWe studied the effects of a series of aliphatic alcohols on the gastric mucosa of Heidenhain pouches in four unanesthetized dogs. Transmucosal potential difference (PD). and the net fluxes of H+, Na+, and Cl–, were determined in the presence of various concentrations of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and t-butanol. Each alcohol caused a decrease in the PD and an increase in the net flux of Na+ ion into the lumen of the pouch. On a molar basis, t-butanol = n-propanol > ethanol > methanol in their effects on PD and net Na+ flux. Except for t-butanol there was a linear relationship between the ability of the alcohol to alter PD and the oil-water partition coefficient of the alcohol. Low concentrations of ethanol and n-propanol caused a net flux of H+ ion into the pouch (secretion). Higher concentrations of these alcohols and all concentrations of methanol and t-butanol caused a net loss of H+ ion from the pouch. The net flux of Cl- ion tended to parallel and equal the net flux of cations.We conclude t...