Reduced Mucosal Blood Flow and Acid Secretion Related to Accelerated Healing of Gastric Ulcer in Rats after Omentectomy Including Partial Gastric Devascularization

Gastric ulcers were produced in rats by local application of acetic acid to the serosal surface of the stomach. In half of the animals the greater omentum was excised just before the application of acid. Gastric mucosal blood flow was estimated by means of the (14C)-aniline clearance technique. Gastric acid secretion was determined under basal conditions and under pentagastrin stimulation. Removal of the greater omentum resulted in accelerated healing of the gastric ulcers. Maximal acid output and mucosal blood flow were found to be decreased in omentectomized animals 24 h after ulcer induction. 3 weeks later the secretion and blood flow in omentectomized animals did not differ significantly from the values of the control animals. The accelerated ulcer healing in omentectomized animals is assumed to be due to decreased acid secretion resulting from decreased mucosal blood flow following partial devascularization of the stomach.