Effects of experimental gastroduodenal reflux on density of mast cells and plasmocytes in the fundic mucosa of the rat.

Abstract

IgA-, IgM-, IgG- and IgE-positive plasmocytes and mast cells were counted in the fundic mucosa of two groups of rats which underwent gastroenteroanastomosis or sham operation 12 months previously. Experimentally induced duodenogastric reflux constitutes a model for biliary gastritis which is characterized by a decrease in the IgA plasmocyte count along with an increase in IgG and IgE plasmocytes and, especially, an increase in mast cells. It is suggested that this allergic-type reaction is responsible for the hyperplasia of gastric crypts seen in biliary gastritis.