Importance of Gastric pH for Digestion and Medication Absorption

Low gastric pH: A. stimulates the release of gastrin B. inhibits release of histamine C. reduces irritation caused by aspirin D. is not necessary for pepsin activity

BA low gastric pH acts as a negative feedback loop to inhibit the release of gastrin. If the stomach becomes alkaline, the acid suppression of gastrin release is eliminated and the result is high circulating gastrin. The local release of histamine, which stimulates the parietal cells, is suppressed by stomach acid. The protease pepsin has an acid pH optimum and thus can only function in the stomach.

A. stimulates the release of gastrin.

Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates the production of stomach acid by the parietal cells in the lining of the stomach. Low gastric pH triggers the release of gastrin to increase the production of stomach acid, which helps with the breakdown of food proteins and aids in digestion.

B. inhibits release of histamine.

Histamine is a chemical released by cells in the stomach that stimulates the production of stomach acid. Low gastric pH inhibits the release of histamine, which helps to prevent excess acid production and maintains the balance of acid in the stomach.

C. reduces irritation caused by aspirin.

Low gastric pH can increase the absorption of certain drugs, including aspirin, which can lead to irritation and damage to the stomach lining. A higher gastric pH can actually reduce the irritation caused by aspirin.

D. is not necessary for pepsin activity.

Pepsin is a protein-digesting enzyme that is secreted by the stomach in an inactive form called pepsinogen. Pepsinogen is activated by the presence of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach, which lowers the pH to a range of 1.5-2.5. Therefore, a low gastric pH is necessary for pepsin activity.

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