[Transmural electronic potential difference--a functional parameter of the gastric mucosal barrier (author's transl)].

The transmural electric potential difference represents the resultant of a complex of electromotive forces across the gastric mucosal barrier. Its quantitative changes correlate with other functional parameters of the gastric mucosal barrier: H+-back diffusion, Na+-influx, ultrastructural changes of the mucosa. Measurement of the transmural electric PD represents a convenient technique to detect functional changes of the mucosa induced by aspirin, alcohol and bile acids. Antacids with potent buffering capacity are able to prevent reduction of PD-changes induced by aspirin and bile acids. Antacids therefore seem to exhibit a protective effect against acute lesions of the gastric mucosa.