The Effects of Large Osmolality Variations on the Gastric Mucosal Surface Ultrastructure

Abstract

Frenning, B. 1973. The Effects of Large Osmolality Variations on the Gastric Mucosal Surface Ultrastructure. Scand. J. Gastroent. 8, 185-192.

Application of hyperosmotic NaCl solution to the gastric mucosa has been reported to decrease the secretion of acid and to increase the mucosal ion permeability. These facts motivated an examination of the influence of hyperosmotic NaCl solution on the ultrastructure of the gastric mucosal surface. Cat stomachs were exposed to hyperosmotic NaCl solution and were then either fixed, or first exposed to 170 mM HC1 and fixed thereafter. The surface morphology of gastric mucosa exposed to 620 mM NaCl was essentially normal. Round openings located intercellularly were found on specimens from stomachs exposed to 1550 mM NaCl. As an effect of exposure of the mucosa to 170 mM HC1 subsequent to 1550 mM NaCl, cellular swelling and disruption of cells occurred.

Key-words::

• Electron microscopy
• gastric acidity determination
• gastric mucosa
• hypertonic solutions
• osmotic fragility
• permeability
• stomach