Canonical Question
GIT Pharm – Gastric fluid
Master answer
Mechanism of Gastric Acid Secretion
- Simulation of secretion via
- ↑Gastrin via gastrin receptors
- ↑Ach via M1 rexeptors
- Histamine via H2 Receptors
- receptors located on the basolateral membrane
- Ach and gastrin → ↑ in intracellular [Ca2+]
- H2 receptors are coupled via Gs to adenyl cyclase
- ↑ in Ca2+ and cAMP → ↑ protein kinase activity → ↑ hydrogen pump activity in the luminal membrane

Drug Classes
- PROTON PUMP INIHBITORS (eg, pantoprazole)
- All are prodrugs
- MOA
- Converted to its active form in the low pH of stomach
- Accumulates in the parietal cells after absorption
- Binds to the H/K-ATPase anti-porter
- Inhibiting the proton pump and causing potent and long lasting suppression of basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion.
- PD:
- ↓ acidity/gastric secretions, no change emptying/LOS tone
- PK
- A:
- pKa ~4, lipophilic weak bases thus diffuse into acidic environments well (ie: parietal cell) thus attack secreting not quiesent pumps
- ~50% oral bioavailability, best on empty stomach
- D: High protein binding >90%
- M: rapid first pass metabolism
- E: t1/2 1.5hrs but irreversible H/KATPase bond lasts ~24hrs
- HISTAMINE-2 RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS (eg; ranitidine)
- Bind to the H2 receptor on the basolateral surface of the parietal cell to reduce H2-stimulated acid secretion from the H/K ATPase on the luminal side of the cell.
- ↓ acidity/gastric secretions, no change emptying/LOS tone
- PK
- well orally absorbed, 50% first pass metabolism
- poorly protein bound 15%
- hepatic metabolism, does not induce p450
- MUSCARINIC ANTAGONISTS (eg, pirenzipine)
- Relatively specific M3 receptor antagonist which reduces the acetylcholine-mediated stimulation of the proton pump
- ANTACIDS (eg, Mylanta, Gastrogel).
- Weak bases which usually contain aluminium and/or magnesium compounds to chelate H+ ions
Gladwin 2016
Exam appearances
| Exam | Exact wording | Relationship | Success |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008A Q18 | Compare and contrast the pharmacology of drugs that change the pH of gastric fluid. | historical_member | — |
| 2011A Q22 | Compare and contrast the pharmacology of drugs that alter the pH of gastric fluid | historical_member | — |