Ethanol-stimulated acid secretion in the isolated whole stomach of the rat.

The application of ethanol to the serosal surface of the isolated whole rat stomach stimulated a high rate of acid secretion, with a maximum response being obtained to 4% v/v ethanol. This acid response to ethanol was not inhibited by high concentrations (1 mM) of atropine or cimetidine, indicating that the response was probably not mediated by either histamine, gastrin or acetylcholine. These results using the secretory antagonists were confirmed by experiments in an isolated gastric mucosa preparation. The acid response to ethanol was significantly, but not completely inhibited by 10 mM thiocyanate, indicating the existence of an acid component of non-arietal cell origin in the mucosal bathing solution. However, analysis of the mucosal solution failed to reveal the presence of an acidic metabolite of ethanol.