Prevention of Stress-Induced Ulcer in the Rat by Gastric Freezing

Abstract

GASTRIC FREEZING has been developed in " an effort to reduce ulcerogenesis dependent on secretory hyperactivity in man and other animals. In man, we have observed marked secretory depression and healing of ulcer craters following gastric freezing.^1,2In experimental animals, the incidence of ulcer provocation induced by histamine or by gastrin stimulation has been reduced considerably by gastric freezing. Reduction of secretory volume as a result of freezing also has been noted in the rabbit's appendix. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that gastric freezing can greatly diminish the incidence of stress-induced ulcer in the rat. The stomach of the rat is divided into two segments, a proximal squamous nonsecreting portion, the rumen, and a distal gastric mucosal stomach which contains the gastric secretory and mucus cells and the antrum. Several procedures have been developed which produce ulcers in both portions of this stomach. Prior freezing of the