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BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Body gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori infection appears to inhibit gastric acid secretion. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of H pylori infection on gastric acid secretion and clarify its mechanisms with reference to interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta). METHODS: (1) Mongolian gerbils were inoculated orally with H pylori. Before, six, and 12 weeks after inoculation, serum gastrin levels, gastric acid output, and IL-1beta mRNA levels in the gastric mucosa were determined. Pathological changes were also determined according to the updated Sydney system. (2) Effects of recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1ra) on gastric acid output and serum gastrin levels were also determined. RESULTS: (1) Scores for activity and inflammation of gastritis and serum gastrin levels were significantly increased, and gastric acid output was significantly decreased six and 12 weeks after inoculation with H pylori. IL-1beta mRNA levels in the gastric mucosa were also elevated six and 12 weeks after inoculation with H pylori. (2) Acid output and serum gastrin levels in the infected groups returned to control levels after rhIL-1ra injection. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric acid secretion is decreased and serum gastrin levels are increased in Mongolian gerbils infected with H pylori. This change in gastric acid secretion appears to be mediated by IL-1beta induced by H pylori infection.