A good deal is known about its mechanisms and management. Etiology Cells in the gastric lining secrete acid. There is a chemical pump mechanism that makes for acid flow. Gastrin, present in one of the regulatory peptides, stimulates acid flow. This is also present in the duodenal mucosa.
Histamine is a chemical present in the gastric mucosa.
This also stimulates acid flow by binding to certain receptors, called H2 receptors. Food in the stomach, principally the protein content, stimulates release of acid. Inhibition of acid flow can occur by other chemicals present in the antral mucosa. Somatostatin is one such chemical. Fat in the duodenum also inhibits acid flow.