Water Exchange Through the Stomach Wall: A Study in Normals and Patients with Duodenal Ulcer, Pancreatic Achylia and Gastric Achylia by Means of Deuterium Oxide

Abstract

By means of an isotonic acid test meal containing deuterium oxide and reference substances, the diffusion of water through the stomach wall has been measured. In 13 normals, 7 duodenal ulcer patients and 10 patients with pancreatic achylia the mean diffusion out of the stomach was 229 d/h. In four cases of gastric achylia the corresponding figure was 189 ml/h (difference not significant). A relationship between the gastric secretory activity and the diffusion of water is suggested.