Experimental evidence for an "internal leak" of cat gastric mucosa after stimulation with histamine and carbachol.

Numerous factors are involved in the pathogenesis of gastric ulcer. Possibilities under discussion are acid back diffusion, a reduction in the quality of the gastric mucus, and vascular factors that give rise to local ischemia. One hypothetical model presented for consideration, is based on the notion of an "internal leak", as a result of which acid escapes out of the parietal cells directly into the interstitium. Using the cationic dye acridine orange in cats, it has been possible to show, in particular after prior stimulation with stimulation with histamine and carbachol, but not with pentagastrin, that a microfocal accumulation of the dye in the interstitium can indeed be found. Under conditions of hypoxia, this phenomenon was not observed. In view of the specific properties of the dye, it may be concluded that, under certain conditions, acid substances can indeed diffuse out of the parietal cells into the interstitium. this animal model offers distinct findings compatible with the pathogenetic concept of an "internal leak".