NEUROGENIC FACTOR IN CHRONIC PEPTIC ULCER

The etiology of peptic ulcer and its pathogenesis are yet to be determined. There is evidence to show that bacterial infection, endarteritis, traumatism, toxic substances, hyperchlorhydria, improper diet, alcohol, tobacco, reflex disturbances, and certain constitutional diseases will, under certain conditions, be associated with the development of ulcers, both acute and chronic. In predisposed individuals, these and other causes seem to be capable of producing chronic peptic ulcer of both the duodenum and the stomach, and of activating ulcers that have apparently healed. Most observers admit, however, that there is some predisposing cause yet unknown. Since Virchow, in 1853, expressed the belief that peptic ulcer may be due to faulty blood supply in the stomach wall, most observers, in seeking to account for the pathogenesis of the disease, have given due prominence to possible disturbance of the circulation in circumscribed areas of the wall of the stomach and duodenum. whatever the