AJP - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, Vol 246, Issue 6 660-G665, Copyright © 1984 by American Physiological Society
Direct measurement of duodenal acid-pepsin exposure at site of ulceration in rats
G. T. Gallagher and S. Szabo
A new technique for the preparation of a chronic duodenal fistula in the
rat is described. The effect of cysteamine and propionitrile on the acidity
of duodenal contents was studied, and the degree of acidity correlated with
the respective duodenal ulcerogenicity of these two compounds. After
subcutaneous administration of cysteamine, reduced duodenal acid was seen
for 2-4 h, followed by large increases continuing up to 12 h and declining
thereafter. Oral cysteamine administration produced acid increases of rapid
onset and shorter duration, accompanied by increased pepsin activity. The
weak duodenal ulcerogen propionitrile did not affect duodenal acidity.
Cimetidine markedly reduced the duodenal acidification induced by
cysteamine, whereas the dopamine agonist bromocriptine did not affect acid
delivery to the duodenum but reduced the pepsin activity in the duodenal
contents by 50%. The duodenal fistula rat provides a new model system for
studies on the pathogenesis of experimental duodenal ulcer.
