Disturbances in the Balance Between Aggressive and Protective Factors in the Gastric and Duodenal Mucosa

A brief description is made of agents that may damage the gastric and duodenal mucosa, and of the more important protective factors. The main protective mechanisms are the same in the two organs, but their relative contributions are different. Some bacteria are able to live on the gastric mucosa by utilizing mucosal defence mechanisms to protect themselves against acid and pepsin. Some drugs may damage the mucosa by interfering with the protective mechanisms. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the mucosal synthesis of prostaglandins, which are important protective factors.