Cigarette Smoking Inhibits Acid-Stimulated Duodenal Mucosal Bicarbonate Secretion

Objective: To determine the effect of cigarette smoking on proximal duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion, an important defense mechanism against acid and peptic damage. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Clinical research laboratory in a university hospital. Patients: Thirteen healthy adults (7 smokers and 6 nonsmokers) who had no history of peptic ulcer disease. Interventions: Participants smoked (1 cigarette/15 min during a period of 1 hour, smokers only) or sham smoked (puffing on an unlit cigarette) during duodenal perfusion with either saline, hydrochloric acid, or prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 )