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302 Part 4 Gastrointestinal and endocrine disorders
Hypothalamus
_
Releasing hormones e.g. CRH
_
+
Anterior pituitary
Trophic hormones e.g. ACTH
_
+
Gland/organ
e.g. adrenal gland
Hormone released e.g. cortisol
+
Final effect
e.g. inhibition of cytokines
Figure P4.3 Feedback loops in the endocrine system. CRH, corticotrophin-releasing
hormone; ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone; , inhibits; , increases/enhances.
The endocrine pancreas is not under the influence of hormones from the pituitary. It secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon, critical to the control of blood glucose levels (see Chapter 14). The pancreas additionally has exocrine functions, excreting enzymes into the gut lumen that enable the digestion of food (see above and Chapter 12).
P4.2.1 Control of hormone secretion
The release of most hormones in the endocrine system is controlled by a series of feedback loops. These feedback circuits generally have a negative effect (i.e. reduce further excretion as levels rise) and can occur at a number of levels (see Figure P4.3). This constant feedback ensures that hormone levels are maintained within normal ranges; derangement of this system can lead to pathological states such as thyroid disease (see Chapter 15, Section 15.2).
P4.2.2 Mechanism of action of hormones
The mechanism of action of various hormones is determined largely by their general molecular structure. Broadly speaking, hormones can be divided into lipid-soluble and water-soluble hormones. The lipid-soluble hormones are steroids such as cortisol, oestrogen and progesterone, and the thyroid hormones. Water-soluble hormones include proteins and peptides such as insulin, growth hormone, and prolactin.
P4.2 Structure and function of the endocrine system 303
The fat-soluble hormones can generally cross the plasma membrane of cells and have their effects by binding to intracellular receptors, within either the cytoplasm or nucleus of the cell. Most of the effects of these hormones are achieved by alterations in the levels of gene transcription. (Some more immediate non-genomic effects are also coming to light.) The water-soluble hormones cannot cross the plasma membrane, and so have their effects by stimulating receptors on the cell surface, of which there are a number of classes (see Chapter 2, Section 2.2.1). The effects of binding are transmitted into the cell through second-messenger systems specific to the activated receptor, such as increases or decreases in cyclic AMP levels, or increases in Ca
2 +
levels. Table P4.2 gives the source and summarizes the actions of many of the hormones encountered in the following chapters.
Table P4.2 Source and main actions of common water-soluble and lipid-soluble hormones
Hormone Source Main action
Water-soluble hormones
Adrenocorticotropic hormone Anterior pituitary Increases steroid production from adrenal gland
Follicle stimulating hormone Anterior pituitary Stimulates follicle development in women and sperm
production in men
Growth hormone Anterior pituitary Promotes body growth and development
Luteinizing hormone Anterior pituitary Stimulates production of sex hormones in women and
production of testosterone in men
Prolactin Anterior pituitary Controls milk production
Thyroid stimulating hormone Anterior pituitary Stimulates release of thyroid hormone
Somatostatin Hypothalamus Inhibits release of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary
Thyrotrophin-releasing hormone Hypothalamus Promotes release of TSH from the anterior pituitary
Glucagon Pancreas Increases blood glucose levels
Insulin Pancreas Decreases blood sugar levels
Antidiuretic hormone Posterior pituitary Controls water and electrolyte balance
Oxytocin Posterior pituitary Promotes uterine contraction and milk ejection
Lipid-soluble hormones
Cortisol Adrenal gland Controls protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism; protects
body from stresses
Oestrogen Ovaries Develops female reproductive organs
Progesterone Ovaries Prepares uterus for pregnancy and mammary glands for
lactation
Testosterone Testes Develops the male reproductive organs
Thyroxine Thyroid Controls metabolic function in cells
TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone.
Chapter 12
Upper gastrointestinal tract disorders
Useful terms for this topic
Chemoreceptor trigger zone: Area of the
brainstem which receives signals that promote vomiting.
Dyspepsia: Indigestion—persistent or recurrent pain or
discomfort in the upper abdomen.
Emesis: The act of vomiting.
Enterochromaffin cells: Secretory cells in the mucosal
lining of the digestive tract that secrete serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine).
Enterochromaffin-like cells: Secretory cells in the
gastric glands that secrete histamine.
Lower oesophageal sphincter: Ring of smooth muscle
at the base of the oesophagus where it enters the stomach.
In this chapter we examine some conditions aecting the upper regions of the gastrointestinal tract—the section of the digestive system from the mouth through to the stomach. e commonly experienced symptoms of heartburn, acid regurgitation, and indigestion (dyspepsia) arise from disturbances of acid secretion in the stomach and the consequent damage to the mucosal lining of the oesophagus, stomach, or duodenum. In Workbook 9 at the end of this chapter we meet Carter, a
G-cells: Secretory cells in the gastric glands that secrete
gastrin.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder (GORD):
Symptoms arising from the reux of acid into the oesophagus from the stomach, most usually heartburn, and regurgitation.
Parietal cells: Acid-secreting cells of the stomach wall.
Peptic ulcer: A lesion in the mucosal lining of the
stomach or duodenum caused by the digestive actions of pepsin and gastric acid.
Proton pump: Integral membrane protein which actively
pumps H+ ions into the stomach lumen.
Somatostatin: Locally acting hormone which inhibits
gastric acid secretion.
doctor whose stressful and unhealthy lifestyle contributes to persistent and severe gastrointestinal problems, and who develops a gastric ulcer as a result of infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
In order to understand the various treatments available to relieve the symptoms of acid hypersecretion, we must rst appreciate how the secretion of acid into the stomach lumen is regulated.

12.1 Structure of the gastrointestinal wall

As outlined in Section P4.1 in the Introduction to Part 4, the upper gastrointestinal tract describes the section from its start (the mouth) through to the stomach. roughout its length, from the mid-oesophagus onwards, the generalized structure of the wall of the gastrointestinal
tract is essentially the same. As shown in Figure 12.1, the wall has four layers.
1. Mucosa: Itself divided into three layers, the mucosa encompasses the epithelial cell layer, a mucous membrane which lines the gut lumen and contains
306 Chapter 12 Upper gastrointestinal tract disorders
Figure 12.1 Structure of the gastrointestinal tract wall.
The four layers of the gastrointestinal wall are shown: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, and serosa. The mucosa is subdivided into the epithelial mucous membrane, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosa. This generalized structure is seen throughout the gastrointestinal tract, from midway down the oesophagus through to the anus.
Adapted from Pocock G, Richards CD, Richards DA, Human Physiology (4th edn), 2013. By permission of Oxford University Press.
specialized cells that secrete digestive juices and protective mucus. Beneath this, the lamina propria is a thin middle layer of connective tissue inltrated by small blood vessels, nerve bres, and lymph ducts. Outermost is a thin layer of smooth muscle, the muscularis mucosa.
2. Submucosa: A thick layer of connective tissue that gives the digestive tract its elasticity. It contains larger blood vessels and lymph ducts, and houses the nerve bres that make up the submucosal plexus (see Section P4.1.1 in the Introduction to Part 4).
3. Muscularis externa: e major muscle layer of the digestive tract. In most areas it consists of a thicker inner layer of circular muscle, which contracts to produce a
narrowing of the gut lumen, and a thinner outer layer of longitudinal muscle, which contracts to shorten the tube length. e action of these two sets of muscles provides the movements which mix the gut contents, and propel it forward. A second neural network, the myenteric plexus, is located here, and regulates motility.
4. Serosa: A thin layer of connective tissue that secretes a watery uid providing lubrication and preventing friction. e serosa is connected to the abdominal walls by thin sheets of connective tissue. is attachment provides support for the digestive tract within the abdominal cavity, but is suciently loose to allow the necessary movement.

12.2 The stomach

e stomach is a J-shaped hollow structure whose main function is to store ingested food so that it can be passed into the small intestine at a rate which allows optimal digestion and absorption. e process of
digestion starts in the stomach, with hydrochloric acid dissolving and denaturing food molecules. Contractile movements pulverize the stomach’s contents and mix the gastric juices to produce
12.2 The stomach 307
Direction of food
Figure 12.2 Regions of the stomach.
chyme, a thick liquid which is then emptied into the duodenum.
As shown in Figure 12.2, the stomach is divided into four regions which have distinct functions.
• Cardia—the area where the oesophagus empties into
the stomach. e stomach contents are prevented from entering the oesophagus by contraction of the lower oesophageal (or gastro-oesophageal) sphincter, a circle of smooth muscle at the base of the oesophagus.
• Fundus—lying higher than the oesophageal opening,
this pouch-like region allows gases, formed as by­products, to collect and combine.
• Body (or corpus)—the main part of the stomach, with
relatively thin muscle walls. e peristaltic waves of contractile activity are initiated here, but are not powerful enough to mix the contents of the stomach eectively.
• Antrum (or pylorus)—the thicker muscular walls in this
region at the base of the stomach contract strongly to mix food together with gastric secretions (see below) to form chyme. e contractile movements also propel the contents towards the duodenum (the rst section of the small intestine). Entry of chyme into the small intestine is regulated by the pyloric sphincter, a ring of smooth muscle at the base of the stomach. is sphincter regulates the rate at which chyme leaves the stomach, as well as preventing passage of particles over a certain size.
Cardia
Lower oesophageal sphincter
Fundus
PylorusPyloric sphincter
Body
12.2.1 Gastric secretions
e mucosal lining of the stomach contains specialized cells which secrete the constituents of the gastric juices. ese secretions work together with the physical mixing of food in the stomach to generate chyme. e secretory cells are collected together in gastric crypts—deep infoldings of the mucous membrane that project down into the mucosal layer (Figure 12.3). e upper parts of the crypts are known as gastric pits, and the lower parts comprise the gastric glands. Four main components of gastric juice are produced.
• Hydrochloric acid produced by parietal cells
(see Box 12.1) within the gastric glands. e acid has a number of roles, helping to denature and break down proteins, and being necessary for the conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin (see below). It also has a protective role destroying many bacteria and other micro-organisms.
• Intrinsic factor is also secreted by parietal cells and is
essential for the absorption of vitamin B12.
• Pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme that initiates the
digestion of proteins. It is produced from the precursor pepsinogen, released from chief cells; this conversion requires exposure to HCl which cleaves o a fragment of the molecule to form pepsin. e activity of pepsin itself is greatest in an acid environment.
• Mucus is secreted by cells in the gastric pits, and has a
protective role (see below).
12.2.2 Regulation of secretion of gastric
juices
e production of acid by parietal cells is regulated by a number of factors released by additional secretory cells within the gastric glands.
1. Histamine, a basic amine formed from histidine, is produced by enterochroman-like (ECL) cells located at the base of the gastric glands. It is stored in granules and released in response to stimulation of the cells by acetylcholine (ACh) released from enteric neurons, and gastrin arriving in the blood (see below). Histamine is a paracrine mediator (local hormone; see Figure P4.2 in the Introduction to Part 4) acting locally on parietal cells, which are thereby stimulated to secrete acid. e histamine receptors present on parietal cells are of the H2 subtype. (e location and function of the dierent histamine receptor subtypes
308 Chapter 12 Upper gastrointestinal tract disorders
Mucus cell
produces mucus and bicarbonate
Gastric pit
Parietal cell
produces hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor
Chief cell
releases pepsinogen
G cell
secretes gastrin
Enterochromaffin­like cell
secretes histamine
D cell
secretes somatostatin
Figure 12.3 Organizationofsecretorycellswithinagastriccrypt.
A gastric crypt is a descending projection of the mucosal membrane lining the stomach’s lumen. The upper part, the gastric pit area, is the site of mucus production. The lower part, the gastric gland region, contains the secretory cells indicated.
Gastric gland
12.2 The stomach 309
are shown in Chapter 10, Table 10.2.) H2 receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors, coupled through Gs to an increase in adenylyl cyclase activity (see Chapter 2, Section 2.2.3). e resulting raised level of cyclic AMP stimulates acid secretion by parietal cells by increasing the number of proton pump molecules on the cell surface (see Box 12.1).
e release of histamine from ECL cells is inhibited by
prostaglandin E2, a cytoprotective local mediator generated by most, if not all, cells in the gastric mucosa (see Section 12.2.3).
2. Gastrin is a polypeptide endocrine molecule secreted into the bloodstream by G-cells located in the antrum region at the base of the stomach. Secretion of gastrin is stimulated by the presence of digested protein in the stomach, by distension of the stomach, and by gastrin-releasing peptide, released from cholinergic nerves innervating the G-cells. It stimulates receptors on parietal cells coupled to increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration (Gq-coupled receptors; see Chapter 2, Section 2.2.3). is promotes the insertion of additional proton pump proteins into the plasma membrane of the parietal cell (see Box 12.1). Gastrin also promotes acid production indirectly by stimulating receptors on ECL cells, enhancing their release of histamine. During the digestion of a meal, gastrin is the principal factor increasing acid secretion. Gastrin has additional roles to promote growth of the mucosal cells lining the stomach and small intestine, thereby helping to maintain a healthy digestive tract. It also promotes gastric emptying, promoting the passage of chyme into the duodenum, the rst section of the small intestine.
3. Somatostatin is a peptide hormone secreted by D-cells located in gastric glands and in the duodenal mucosa. Its release is signalled by the high gastric acidity. is occurs when the stomach empties, and the acidity of accumulating gastric juices is no longer buered by the presence of food. Somatostatin acts locally as a negative paracrine regulator of acid secretion, through direct action on parietal cells and by indirect action on ECL and G cells.
Parietal cell function is also regulated by neuronal inputs from the submucosal plexus and post-ganglionic parasympathetic neurons. ese cholinergic bres release ACh which acts on Gq-coupled M3 receptors on the parietal cells; the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ results in increased acid secretion (see Box 12.1). e various regions of the stomach show dierences in the proportion of secretory cells. e gastric glands in the mucosa lining the body and fundus areas contain cells secreting mucus, acid, pepsinogen, and histamine. ose in the antrum chiey secrete histamine, gastrin, and somatostatin.
Table 12.1 summarizes the secretory products of the cells of the gastric mucosa.
12.2.3 Protecting the stomach cells from
digestion
To prevent the gastric juices from acting on the cells lining the stomach, a number of protective mechanisms are in place.
1. e surface epithelial cells and mucus cells produce alkaline mucus, which forms a gel-like protective layer.
Table 12.1 Products of the secretory cells of the gastric mucosa
Secretory cell type Product secreted Stimuli for secretion Function of secretory product
Parietal cell Hydrochloric acid ACh, gastrin, histamine Denatures proteins, activates pepsinogen, kills
micro-organisms
Intrinsic factor Absorption of vitamin B
Mucus cell Alkaline mucus Mechanical stimulation by
stomach contents
Chief cell Pepsinogen ACh, gastrin Activated to pepsin—initiates protein digestion
Enterochromaffin-like cell Histamine ACh, gastrin Stimulates acid secretion from parietal cells
G-cell Gastrin ACh, presence of proteins Stimulates acid secretion from parietal cells, and
D-cell Somatostatin Acid Inhibits acid secretion directly through parietal
ACh, acetylcholine; ECL, enterochromaffin-like
Protection of mucosal layer
histamine secretion from ECL cells
cells, and indirectly through ECL and G cells
12
310 Chapter 12 Upper gastrointestinal tract disorders
Stomach
Box 12.1
Regulation of hydrochloric acid secretion by parietal cells
lumen
Cl
+
K
+
H
Secretory canaliculus
4
H2OCO
3
cAMP
P
+
+
K
+
H
+
9
2+
Ca
+ +
3
5
Parietal
cell
2
Carbonic anhydrase
1
H2CO
Cl
HCO
3
10 8 7 6
2
GAChHS
ECL cells
Blood
HCO
3
S
Figure a
1. Parietal cells contain high concentrations of carbonic anhydrase. This enzyme accelerates the reaction between CO2 and H2O to generate carbonic acid (H2CO3), which then dissociates into H
2. HCO
3. Cl– is secreted into the stomach lumen across the luminal (or apical) membrane. The Cl– channel involved has yet
4. H + from the dissociation of carbonic acid is actively pumped across the luminal membrane of the parietal cell by
5. K
6. Parietal cells express M3 receptors which are activated by acetylcholine (ACh) released from innervating
is exchanged with Cl– from the blood in a nearby vessel via an antiporter mechanism in the parietal cell’s
3
basolateral membrane.
to be elucidated.
the proton pump (H +/K lumen against a concentration gradient. The proton pump is irreversibly blocked by proton pump inhibitors (e.g. omeprazole).
+
leaves the cell through channels in the luminal membrane, maintaining the K+ concentration inside the parietal
cell, and providing the proton pump with substrate.
parasympathetic and enteric neurons. These receptors are coupled to an increase in cytosolic Ca also stimulates the release of histamine from enterochromaffin-like cells (not shown).
+
ATPase) in exchange for K+. The pump drives H
Cholinergic neurons
G
+
and bicarbonate ions (HCO
+
out of the cell and into the stomach
G cells
D cells
2 +
levels. ACh
).
3
12.3 Disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract 311
Box 12.1 Regulation of hydrochloric acid secretion by parietal cells
7. Gastrin, released into the blood from endocrine G-cells, stimulates parietal cell receptors coupled to increased cytosolic
2 +
Ca
levels.
8. Histamine is released by paracrine enterochromaffin-like cells, and stimulates H2 histamine receptors on the nearby parietal cells. Activation of these Gs-coupled receptors leads to an increase in cyclic AMP levels inside the cells. H2­receptor antagonists (e.g. ranitidine) competitively inhibit the actions of histamine at these receptors.
9. The elevation in cyclic AMP and Ca the luminal membrane of the parietal cell. Ready-formed proton pumps are present in parietal cells, inserted in membranes of intracellular vesicles. When the cells are stimulated the vesicle membrane fuses with the luminal plasma membrane, and the proton pumps are transferred. They are specifically inserted in secretory canaliculi—deep channels in the membrane of the activated cell, where they participate in acid secretion.
10. The hormone somatostatin, released from D-cells (or cells) in the gastric glands, acts at receptors on the parietal cells to inhibit their secretion of acid. Its receptors are Gi-coupled, leading to a decrease in cyclic AMP levels. Somatostatin also acts on enterochromaffin-like cells and G-cells to inhibit the release of histamine and gastrin, respectively, thereby indirectly inhibiting acid secretion still further.
ACh, acetylcholine; ECL cells, enterochromaffin-like cells; G, gastrin; H, histamine; S, somatostatin.
2 +
mediated by these factors increases the number of active proton pump molecules in
Bicarbonate ions are secreted into the mucus layer and are trapped, neutralizing the eect of hydrochloric acid in the immediate vicinity of the cell surface. (Paradoxically, this protective mechanism allows the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) to thrive at the mucosal layer surface, sheltered from the harsh environment of the stomach lumen; see Section 12.3.2.)
2. Prostaglandins, particularly PGE2, act as local
located on cells in the vicinity of release (including that from which it has been released—autocrine signalling). e protective roles of prostaglandins include stimulating mucus and bicarbonate secretion, and decreasing gastric acid production by inhibiting the release of histamine from ECL cells.
3. Tight junctions between the mucosal cells prevent the gastric juices from penetrating the stomach wall.
protective agents. ese signalling molecules are generated in virtually all cells of the gastric mucosa via the action of the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase. (is enzyme is the molecular target of non-steroidal anti-inammatory drugs; NSAIDs.) As a lipid entity, PGE2 readily diuses across the plasma membrane to stimulate G-protein-coupled receptors (EP receptors)
4. e integrity of the mucosal barrier is maintained by rapid turnover of cells. Damaged cells are replaced through division of stem cells within the gastric pits. e daughter cells produced either migrate out of the pit area and become surface epithelial cells, or migrate to the gastric gland region and dierentiate into secretory cells.

12.3 Disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Conditions aecting the upper gastrointestinal tract are among the most prevalent illnesses in Western countries; the two most common are discussed here.
12.3.1 Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
e most common condition aecting the upper gastrointestinal tract is gastro-oesophageal reux disease (GORD). is describes any symptom arising from episodes of acid reux into the oesophagus from the stomach, most usually retrosternal pain (heartburn) and
regurgitation. Damage to the lower reaches of the oesophagus caused by exposure to the stomac acid leads to inammation. Over time structural changes can occur, with the development of strictures (narrowings) which give rise to dysphagia (diculty in swallowing). e peristaltic movements in the oesophagus may also be altered. e suerer is predisposed to a number of conditions, including oesophageal cancer. People who suer repeated episodes of gastro-oesophageal reux should be encouraged to seek medical advice.