Gamma-ray and neutrino flares produced by protons accelerated on an accretion disc surface in active galactic nuclei

We discuss the consequences of almost rectilinear acceleration of protons t o extremely high energies in a reconnection region on the surface of an acc retion disc that surrounds a central black hole in an active galaxy. The pr otons produce gamma-rays and neutrinos in interactions with the disc radiat ion as considered in several previous papers. However, in this model the se condary gamma-rays can initiate cascades in the magnetic and radiation fiel ds above the disc. We compute the spectra of gamma-rays and neutrinos emerg ing from regions close to the disc surface. Depending on the parameters of the reconnection regions, this model predicts the appearance of gamma-ray a nd neutrino hares if protons take most of the energy from the reconnection region. In contrast, if leptons take most of the energy, they produce pure gamma-ray flares. The gamma-ray spectrum expected in the case of hadronic c ascading is compared with the spectrum observed during the flare in 1991 Ju ne from 3C 279. The neutrino flares that should accompany these gamma-ray f lares may be detected by future large-scale neutrino telescopes sensitive a t similar to 10(5) TeV.