How does the bacteria H. Pylori cause ulcer sores in the stomach?
In: Biology
There are several mechanisms, but the simple answer would be “it produces ammonia, which is toxic to cells and can create a basic local pH”. This weakens the protective mucosal coating and will allow the acid to irritate the stomach lining, causing an ulcer.
In reality, there are a variety of accepted mechanisms.
* Ammonia is toxic to epithelial cells
* The bacteria degrade the mucosal lining of the stomach
* The bacteria produce proteases, cytotoxins, and phospholipase that damage cells
* Some cytotoxins are pro-inflammatory and can cause more damage
* Inflammation induces gastrin secretion, which can stimulate more acid release
* etc
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