GASTRIC MICROCIRCULATION AND BICARBONATE PRODUCTION IN HEAVY SMOKERS

Objective: To determine the effect of chronic cigarette smoking on gas tric mucosal blood flow and bicarbonate secretion. Methods: Three grou ps, 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 g astric juice by the method of Feldman. Results: Both mucosal blood flo w and bicarbonate secretion were significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in g roup C. Conclusion: in heavy smokers, gastric mucosal perfusion and al kali production are impaired. This can contribute to the noxious effec ts of smoking on the gastric mucosa. It remains to be determined wheth er these effects of smoking are causally related.