ABSTRACT
Regulation of gastric secretion, and its interaction with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, is a rather complex phenomenon which, in certain circumstances, leads to the development of peptic ulceration. There are several molecules, such as hydrochloric acid, pepsinogen, regulatory peptides, and other chemical messengers secreted by the stomach. In addition, the gastric parietal cell is a complex structure that is controlled by a variety of hormones and neurotransmitters. These agents interact with specific surface receptors and initiate cascades of information to the cell nucleus as highly organized and complex signal transduction pathways. The bacterium H. pylori attaches to the gastric epithelial cell surface and stimulates inflammatory inter-and intracellular signal transduction cascades. It also binds to EGF receptors of gastric epithelial cells and thus interacts with cell growth and repair. This chapter focuses on cellular and intercellular regulation with particular emphasis on acid secretion and H. pylori binding.
