21.   The results of our freeze fracture method clearly showed significantly fewer gap junctions between gastric surface mucous cells in patients with gastric ulcer than in healthy volunteers.

22.   In conclusion, using the freeze fracture method, we have shown significantly fewer gap junctions between gastric surface mucous cells in ulcer patients than in healthy volunteers.

23.   Fifteen healthy volunteers gave written informed consent to participate.

24.   Ten healthy volunteers were investigated as controls.

25.   For instance, high glucose concentrations stimulate insulin secretion in healthy volunteers and hyperinsulinemia affects gastrointestinal function.

26.   Seventeen age matched healthy volunteers served as controls.

27.   In this study, we showed that in healthy volunteers secretion of gastric platelet activating factor precursors increased under pentagastrin infusion.

28.   Detailed studies of gastric function were performed in these six patients and compared with H pylori positive patients with DU and with healthy volunteers.

29.   In most of the tests it was also possible to compare the results with those in age and sex matched healthy volunteers with and without H pylori.

30.   The H pylori negative and positive healthy volunteers were similar for both basal and peak acid output.