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The gastric mucosal barrier is the property of the stomach that allows it to contain the acid it secretes. If the barrier is broken, as by aspirin in acid solution, acid diffuses back into the mucosa where it can cause damage to the stomach itself. The barrier consists of three protective components that together provide extra resistance for the mucosal surface of the stomach. These components include a compact epithelial cell lining, a special mucus covering and bicarbonate ions.

The compact epithelial lining is composed of cells bound by tight junctions that repel harsh fluids that may injure the stomach lining.

The mucus covering is derived from mucus secreted by surface epithelial cells and mucuous neck cells. This mucus is insoluble and forms a protective gel-like coating over the entire gastric mucosal surface. The mucus serves to protect the gastric mucosa from autodigestion by pepsin and erosion by acids and other caustic materials that are ingested.

The bicarbonate ions are secreted by the surface epithelial cells. The bicarbonate ions act to buffer or neutralize harsh acids.

NSAIDs inhibit mucus and bicarbonate secretion, and thus by diminishing the gastric mucosal barrier, make the stomach lining more vulnerable to damage.

References: Davenport H W. Destruction of the gastric mucosal barrier by detergents and urea. Gastroenterology 54:175-81, 1968. [Department of Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI]

http://hmi.sinclair.edu/module_lesson.asp?ModuleID=10&LessonID=8

Kivilaakso E Gastric mucosal barrier to acid. Department of Surgery, Helsinki University.

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