“…This compound, like other substituted benzimidazoles, inhibits acid secretion by blocking the K+/H' -ATPase in parietal cells (Fellenius et al, 1981;Beil & Sewing, 1984). Before these compounds can block the K+/H' -ATPase they need to be converted into the active principle, which is formed in the parietal cell tubulovesicles at a low pH (Wallmark et al, 1984;Rackur et al, 1985;Figala et al, 1986). Mercaptanes, such as P-mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol, were found to prevent and to reverse inhibition of parietal cell acid formation and K+/H' -ATPase blockade, indicating that sulphydryl groups are most probably involved in the chemical reactions leading to inhibition of acid secretion (Wallmark et al, 1984;Im et al, 1985).…”