The aggressive luminal content in the stomach activates gastroprotective processes affecting exocrine and endocrine secretion of gastric glands and permeability of the pre-epithelial mucus layer. The aim of the study was to investigate effects of chemical irritants similar to physiological characteristics of digestion (pH 2.0 and/or 500 mM NaCl) on outputs of bicarbonates and pepsinogen as well as assess the role of endogenous acid production in control ofnon-parietal secretion during irritation of the gastric mucosa. In experiments on conscious rats with chronic gastric fistula as well as on anesthetized animals it was demonstrated that luminal infusion of acidic hyperosmotic solution of NaCl enhances basal secretions of bicarbonates and pepsinogen that was fully blocked by indomethacin. Suppression of gastric acid secretion by omeprazole potentiates the stimulative effect of mild irritants likely due to the reduction of pH gradient on the surface of gastric mucosa which causes the growth of sensitivity of the epithelium to chemical stimuli and the increase of synthesis ofprostaglandins. Additionally, mild irritation enhances secretion of HCO3(-) and pepsinogen induced by stimulation of the vagus nerve; and this response does not depend on the action ofprostaglandins. The enhancing effect of irritation on the vagally induced bicarbonate output was eliminated after the treatment with omeprazole.