Histochemical Study of the Mucosubstances in the Canine Stomach

Abstract

A form of mild chronic gastritis was noted prior to prednisone administration in 3 dogs bearing total gastric fistulae and previously subjected to experiments involving numerous biopsies. Prednisone administered orally to these dogs induced hyperplasia of mucous cells in the fundic and antral surface epithelium and increased synthesis of mucus by these cells. The extent of the hyperplastic response depended upon the dose of the drug and the length of time that it was administered. After prolonged treatment with prednisone, erosions and one ulcer also appeared and there was concomitant histological evidence of widespread damage to the mucoua, i.e., appearance of regenerative type cuboidal epithelium with reduced cytoplasmic mucus, exfoliation of surface cells, and inflammatory changes. Thus, in this experimental model, mucosal damage is preceded by increased rather than depressed mucus formation. The pre-existing gastritis, however, may have aggravated these changes and it must be considered in evaluation of results from histological and secretory studies using total gastric fistulae.