The effects of some organic acids on the secretion of gastric juice

Abstract

The acids used in these experiments were given in food to dogs with Pawlow double stomachs. The following acids were employed in concentrations of 0.5 per cent, and 0.2 per cent, in all experiments: lactic, butyric, citric, acetic. Lemon juice (7 per cent, citric) and vinegar (4.8 per cent, acetic) were also used. In no case, with the possible exception of vinegar, could a stimulating action on the gastric glands be attributed to the acid liquids administered. The juice secreted, in amount and acid content, was uniform with the controls. In some cases vinegar appeared to excite a more copious secretion of juice but this result was not constant. The distillate from neutralized vinegar acted in the same way as vinegar, while acetic acid alone appeared to be inert. From this it may be inferred that if vinegar has any effect upon digestion, it is due to the volatile substances which it contains and not to the acetic acid.