[Melanin-producing and NO-synthase gastric cells and the processes of cell regeneration in gastric and duodenal ulcers].

The subjects of the study were 50 patients with gastric ulcer, 110 patients with duodenal ulcer, 70 patients with chronic Helicobacter-associated gastritis, and 60 practically healthy individuals. Diagnosis was based upon the results of clinical, instrumental, and morphological examination. The results of the study show thatfunctional activity of gastric epitheliocytes and apudocytes, manifesting in decrease or increase of certain hormone activity, correlates with the process of apoptosis, which leads either to activation of ulcerogenesis, or to healing of a peptic ulcer. The study established the role of NO-positive melatonin epitheliocytes in peptic ulcer development.