Cell proliferation and atrophic gastritis in explanted canine gastric mucosa

We produced experimental atrophic gastritis in 7 mongrel dogs by explanting a full-thickness wedge of vascularized mucosa from the gastric greater curvature onto the abdominal wall. Autoradiography of mucosal specimens was done after the iv injection of triated thymidine. The labeling index, S-phase duration, and cell cycle time were measured in normal and explanted fundic mucosa. The spatial distribution histograms of the labeled cells showed an enlarged are of proliferation. As in human atrophic gastritis, proliferation was shifted toward the mucosal surface. Significantly higher labeling indices were observed in the atrophic mucosa. Shortening of the S-phase duration and the cell cycle time was indicated by the curves of the labeled mitoses. Proliferative activity was significantly accelerated in this experimental model of atrophic gastritis.