In vitro measurement of the pH gradient and thickness of the duodenal mucus gel layer in rats.

Abstract

The mucus bicarbonate barrier of the duodenum has lately been reported to be one of the most important defensive factors for the duodenal mucosa. We established an in vitro system for evaluating the mucus bicarbonate barrier in the rat duodenum. Our method allows direct measurement of the pH gradient as well as the thickness of the mucus gel layer of the rat duodenum in vitro. The obtained results suggest that alkali secretion in response to acid-loading as well as the thickness of the duodenal mucus gel layer are greater than those in the stomach.