The influence of tactile stimulation of the gastric mucosa (mimics the mechanical influence of the food bolus) on the gastric mucosal blood flow and acid output was studied in rats anesthetized with Inactin. Blood flow was measured with laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF) with the probe positioned above the gastric mucosa, and acid secretion was measured at regular intervals by titration of the saline covering 0.8 cm2 of the mucosa. After gentle tactile stimulation (wiping with cotton tips) of the mucosa for 20 s, blood flow increased to approximately 250% of the control value and then returned to the control level 15 min later, whereas acid output was transiently reduced immediately after tactile stimulation. Pretreatment with lidocaine, methysergide, or hexamethonium did not change the results of tactile stimulation on the blood flow. After indomethacin (3 mg/kg i.v.) LDF was significantly reduced by 33% and the hyperemic response to tactile stimulation was almost abolished. This suggests that endogenously released prostaglandins, not evoked through activation of intramural reflexes that can be blocked by lidocaine, methysergide or hexamethonium, are responsible for the hyperemia seen after tactile stimulation of the gastric mucosa.