title: Gastric microcirculation and bicarbonate production in heavy smokers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effect of chronic cigarette smoking on gastric mucosal blood flow and bicarbonate secretion.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three groups, each consisting of eight dyspeptic patients with normal endoscopic features, were studied: group A contained non-smokers, group B light smokers (< 10 cigarettes/day) and group C heavy smokers (> 10 cigarettes/day). Blood flow was measured in the gastric antrum by laser-Doppler flowmetry, and basal bicarbonate secretion was determined in fasting gastric juice by the method of Feldman.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both mucosal blood flow and bicarbonate secretion were significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in group C.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In heavy smokers, gastric mucosal perfusion and alkali production are impaired. This can contribute to the noxious effects of smoking on the gastric mucosa. It remains to be determined whether these effects of smoking are causally related.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology Unit, S. Raffaele Hospital, University of Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guslandi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sorghi
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pontikaki
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tittobello
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000378:metabolism*; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005750:Gastric Juice / Q000378:metabolism; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D001639:Bicarbonates