Effect of cimetidine on the healing of restraint-induced gastric erosions in the rat

1. Rats after a 24 h restraint developed acute gastric erosions. Cimetidine in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight was given subcutaneously every 8 h to a group of 150 rats after restraint. A second group received saline subcutaneously (placebo group). 2. Erosions in the placebo group required up to 45 days to heal (median healing time approximately 24 days). Cimetidine treatment reduced the median healing time to approximately 12 days. 3. Cimetidine in this dose promotes healing of acute gastric erosions in the rat induced by restraint.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): an appraisal

Cannulation of the ampulla of Vater via a fiberoptic duodenoscope to obtain radiographic visualisation of biliary and pancreatic ductal systems is a new technique to many hospitals. The experience of the first fifty examinations by this technique at Auckland Hospital is reported. One serious complication was encountered and this responded to appropriate therapy. It is concluded that some of the difficulties of mastering the technique have been exaggerated and the contribution to management of biliary disease is firmly established. It is possible to diagnose several pancreatic disorders to a high confidence level by pancreatography, but this has not yet been proven to influence the patient's management.

Gastritis varioliformis. Chronic erosive gastritis with protein-losing gastropathy

A patient with chronic erosive gastritis and protein-losing gastropathy is reported. Presentation was with weight loss and abdominal discomfort. There were endoscopic and radiological features of erosive gastritis. Radioactive chromium studies confirmed that the low serum albumin was associated with fecal protein loss. No improvement occurred with bed rest or Caved S but coincided with DeNol therapy.

Long-term prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis by oestrogen. Evidence for an increased bone mass after delayed onset of oestrogen treatment

Treatment of 63 oophorectomised women with oestrogen for five years prevented the reduction in bone mineral content observed in 57 women treated with a placebo preparation. When onset of therapy was delayed for three to six years there was a highly significant increase in bone mineral content mainly during the first three years of treatment. During the next two years there was no further increase in bone mineral, while the placebo-treated groups continued to lose bone at about 1% per annum. In association with the changes in bone mass, the expected biochemical effects of oestrogen therapy also persisted for at least three years, and were compatible with a prolonged increase in parathyroid activity but a reduction in bone turnover.