A STUDY OF THE GASTRIC MUCOSAL CHANGES IN THE LIVER DAMAGE

Gastric mucosal blood flow rate and transmucosal electrical potential difference (PD) which is a good indicator of the mucosal integrity were measured endoscopically in experimental animals and clinical cases with liver damage. Liver damage was induced experimentally by the oral administration of dimethylnitrosamine (DMNA) to beagles. In these dogs, gastric mucosal blood flow rate and PD were decreased with the progression of the liver damage. Until the 8th week after the beginning of the administration of DMNA, gastric mucosal pH value was elevated, but after the 12th week, it was decreased. In clinical cases with liver cirrhosis, a significant decrease of gastric mucosal blood flow rate at the body was observed, especially in cases with esophageal varices. PD was significantly decreased both at the antrum and body. Thus the gastric mucosa with liver damage was speculated to be exposed to circulatory disturbance and tend to be easily injured.