Effects of different periods of gastric ischaemia in the viability of the tissue of body, fundus and antrum region of rabbit stomach

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite the rich vascular arcade of the stomach, gastric ischemia represents an important medical challenge and can be the consequence of obstructive or non-obstructive vascular processes of pathological or iatrogenic origin. AIM: To assess the effects of acute gastric ischaemia on the different regions of the stomach. METHOD: Fifteen New Zeland rabbits were divided into three groups: group 1, animals were observed during 3 h; group 2, during 6 h; group 3, during 12 h. Rabbit stomachs were subjected to devascularization of the greater and lesser curvatures. After predetermined time, the stomachs were removed for macro and microscopic studies. RESULTS: Haemorrhagic necrosis was more marked in the gastric fundus and body. In contrast, the antropylorus remained preserved in 80% of the animals. Necrosis of the gastric body and fundus mucosa were observed in all animals after 6 h and 12 h of ischaemia. CONCLUSION: Acute gastric ischaemia in rabbits produces haemorrhagic necrosis of the gastric fundus and body even in a short period of time. Beside this, the antropyloric region was significantly more resistant to ischaemia.