Gastric mucus and ulcer base proteins

Gastric mucus and ulcer base proteins represent a complex physiological target involved in the protection and repair of the stomach lining. The gastric mucus layer is a viscoelastic gel primarily composed of water and mucin glycoproteins, such as MUC5AC and MUC6, which serve as a physical barrier against the corrosive effects of hydrochloric acid and pepsin (1). When the mucosa is damaged, as in peptic ulcer disease, the resulting ulcer base becomes rich in positively charged exudative proteins, including albumin, fibrinogen, and necrotic debris (2). Pharmacological agents like sucralfate target this environment by undergoing acid-activated polymerization to form a polyanionic paste that selectively binds to these positively charged proteins (3). This interaction creates a protective physical 'bandage' over the ulcer, shielding it from further enzymatic and acid-mediated digestion while facilitating the local accumulation of growth factors to promote tissue regeneration (4).

Other names

Gastric mucosal barrierUlcer-adherent complexGastric mucinsMucosal protective layerGastric proteinaceous exudate

Formation of a protective physical barrier by binding to positively charged proteins (like albumin and fibrinogen) at the ulcer site, preventing degradation by gastric acid and pepsin.