Animal models of acute gastric mucosal injury: Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation

Abstract

Acute gastric mucosal injury is a common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract and the search for new therapeutics is ongoing. The aim of this study is to update and expand the information related to the most widely used rat models of acute gastric ulcer, the ethanol‐induced ulcer and the indomethacin‐induced ulcer. These two models are compared in terms of macroscopic and microscopic features. Experimentally, ethanol was given orally in a single dose and indomethacin was subcutaneously injected into male Wistar rats. After ulcerative challenges, the stomachs were removed and visually inspected. Anti‐ulcerative drugs were used to validate the models. Histological analysis of the stomachs determined the microscopic score. The methodology used for model evaluation applied to macroscopic and microscopic gastric lesions. With these methods it was possible to induce lesions in the gastric mucosa. Microscopic evaluation permitted assessment of the inflammatory and apoptotic impact in the mucosa not observable by macroscopic evaluation. Groups of animals were treated with two standard drugs: sulcralfate suspension or lansoprazole solution. Both drugs reduced macroscopic and microscopic lesions, particularly the hemorrhagic ones. Both models induced acute gastric mucosal injury and no single evaluation method can address all the aspects of the pathology of gastric lesions. As a complement to macroscopic evaluation, microscopy appears to be a relevant tool to selectively identify specific aspects of the development of mucosal injury, quantify the extent of lesions, and contribute to an appropriate interpretation of results. The score systems established here offer a reliable method for testing antiulcer drugs.

Gastroprotective Effect of Sinapic Acid on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats: Involvement of Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB Signaling and Antiapoptotic Role

“…This was further corroborated by our previous research, which indicated that 40 mg/kg of SA has maximum antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activity ( Raish et al, 2018a ; Raish et al, 2019 ; Bin Jardan et al, 2020 ). Several reports have implicated alcohol in gastric mucosal damage and upper gastrointestinal bleeding ( Teyssen and Singer, 2003 ; Simoes et al, 2019 ). The anti-ulcer and gastroprotective effects of drugs, natural phytochemicals, and herbs have been commonly assessed using an ethanol-induced gastric lesion rodent model ( Simoes et al, 2019 ).…”

“…Several reports have implicated alcohol in gastric mucosal damage and upper gastrointestinal bleeding ( Teyssen and Singer, 2003 ; Simoes et al, 2019 ). The anti-ulcer and gastroprotective effects of drugs, natural phytochemicals, and herbs have been commonly assessed using an ethanol-induced gastric lesion rodent model ( Simoes et al, 2019 ). Alcohol intubation causes depletion of the gastric wall mucosal barrier via ROS and cytokine upregulation, which lead to oxidative-stress-induced damage ( Abdel-Salam et al, 2001 ; Liu et al, 2020 ).…”

Study of the Potential Antiulcerous Action of Hydroalcoholic Extracts From Prunella Vulgaris L. Of Romanian Origin

“…Regarding the microscopic features, Simões et al highlight the observable differences between the ethanol/HCl-induced ulcer model and that using indomethacin. In the first case, the aggressive action is more brutal and non-specific, manifested mainly by haemorrhage; in the second case, inflammation is predominant [49]. The model we chose (phenylbutazoneinduced ulcer) is similar in terms of mechanism to the indomethacin model, and our results are alike (reduction in erosion and inflammation, regeneration of the surface tissue layer).…”

In vitro antioxidant activity and gastroprotective effect of ethanolic extract from Cucumis melo L. var. inodorus fruit on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats

“…This protective index was similar to that of 600 mg/kg treated rat group ( no significant difference). Ethanol-stimulated gastric lesions model have been used commonly to investigate the pathogenesis of gastric ulceration and to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of various drugs and natural products 28 . Ethanol is responsible for disturbances in gastric secretion, damage to the mucosa, alterations in the permeability, gastric mucus depletion, free radical production of superoxide anion and hydroperoxy free radicals, and ROS-mediated increased lipid peroxidation 29 .…”