Protection by zinc sulphate against reserpine-induced ulceration and other gastric effects in the rat

The effects of intraperitoneal pretreatment, 48 h beforehand, with zinc sulphate (22, 44 or 88 mg/kg) were studied on gastric ulceration, gastric secretion and changes in stomach wall mast cell counts induced after 4 h by reserpine (5 mg/kg) given intraperitoneally to intact (unoperated for pylorus occlusion) or pylorus-occluded rats. Zinc sulphate dose-dependently antagonised the gastric actions of reserpine by preventing ulceration in the ruminal and glandular segments of the stomach, reducing acid secretion, and inhibiting mast cell degranulation which occurred mainly in the glandular mucosal layer. The relationship between these findings and the action of zinc on gastric mast cell is discussed.

The effect of zinc on anaphylaxis in vivo in the guinea-pig

The protective effects of pretreatment with zinc sulphate aerosols against bronchoconstriction induced by egg albumen or histamine aerosols were assessed in sensitized or non-sensitized guinea-pigs respectively. Pretreatment with an adequate concentration of zinc sulphate aerosol significantly prolonged the time of onset of bronchoconstriction in sensitized guinea-pigs challenged with egg albumen, but did not appreciably alter the onset time of histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in non-sensitized animals. These findings suggest that zinc aerosols may be of prophylactic value against bronchoconstriction of allergic origin.

The effects of zinc sulphate on vagal-induced mast cell changes and ulcers in the rat stomach

The effects of zinc sulphate pretreatment on the formation of gastric ulcers, changes in intragastric pressure and changes in the gastric mucosal mast cell count induced by electrical vagal stimulation were studied in anaesthetized rats. Vagal stimulation produced a high gastric glandular ulcer incidence and ulcer index, increased the intragastric pressure, and reduced the number of granulated mast cells in the gastric mucosa and submucosa. Pretreatment with zinc sulphate (22, 44 ot 88 mg/kg), injected i.p. 48 h beforehand, reversed the changes in these parameters in a dose-related manner. These observations suggest that the inhibitory effects of zinc sulphate on mucosal mast cell degranulation may account for its ability to antagonise vagal-induced gastric glandular ulceration. The mechanisms involved in the aetiology of this type of gastric ulcer are discussed in the light of these results.

The hemostatic effects of orally administered Yunnan Bai Yao in rats and rabbits

The effects of orally administered Yunnan Bai Yao were studied on the bleeding time in rats and the blood clotting time in rabbits. Significant decreases were seen in both the bleeding and clotting times, observed over a 4 h period following administration. These effects were seen as early as 1/2 h and were still present at 4 h. Graded doses of Yunnan Bai Yao produced dose-related decreases in blood clotting times in the rabbits. The findings suggest that some active principle, able to affect the hemostatic mechanism, is absorbed after oral administration of the herbal preparation.

Effects of zinc chloride on gastric secretion and ulcer formation in pylorus-occluded rats

The effects of 10-day pretreatment with i.p. injections of zinc chloride, 16 mg/kg, on gastric secretion and on gastric ulceration induced by stress or by acid accumulation were examined in pylorus-occluded rats. Zinc chloride pretreatment significantly reduced the volume of gastric secretion and the total acid output as well as the incidence of gastric ulcers induced either by stress or by acid accumulation. The findings support the idea zinc compounds may be useful in the treatment of gastric ulcers.

Intragastric NaHCO3 perfusion and vagal-induced ulcer formation in the rat stomach

The effects of electrical vagal stimulation on gastric acid output and ulcer formation were studied in rats intragastrically perfused with saline or NaHCO3 solutions. Vagal stimulation produced a 100% incidence of glandular lesions and a significant increase in total acid output in saline-perfused stomachs. Antacid perfusion failed to prevent ulcer formation despite complete neutralization of the increased acid output. It is considered that vagal-induced gastric glandular lesions are not acid dependent.

Acute gastric ulcer formation in response to electrical vagal stimulation in rats

Intermittent electrical stimulation of the left cervical vagus increased intragastric pressure and induced a 100% incidence of haemorrhagic ulcers in the glandular mucosa of rat stomachs. Atropine pretreatment of sub-diaphragmatic vagotomy prevented these effects. The findings substantiate the idea that stress-induced glandular ulcers result from vagal-mediated increased gastric contractions.