Review article: stomach wars--a mucosal defense initiative.

A model is presented which attempts to unify many of the processes identified in recent years as contributing to the maintenance of mucosal integrity in the stomach. Two concepts, namely acid disposal and rapid repair of superficial injury, are highlighted as being of particular physiological significance. The mechanisms involved in protection of the normal mucosa against luminal aggressors (e.g. acid/pepsin, ethanol, aspirin) must be distinguished from the factors which influence the healing of a pre-existent ulcer. In this context, the relatively neglected topic of wound healing in the gastric mucosa is considered, and the implications for current therapeutic strategies and for the discovery of new anti-ulcer drugs are explored.