Mucosal enzyme patterns in gastric epithelial disease

A correlation was sought between changes in enzymes involved in gastric acid secretion (Mg-, NaK-, K- and HCO3-stimulated ATPases) and histological changes in gastric biopsies. Alkaline phosphatase was also studied. Mg- and NaK-stimulated ATPase activities increased significantly in biopsies from the pylorus and antrum which showed moderate or severe gastritis. NaK ATPase levels increased and HCO3 ATPase decreased in incisural, body and fundic mucosa which had intestinal metaplasia and atrophic gastritis. No K+ ATPase was found in normal mucosa. The total activity of alkaline phosphatase did not vary with histological changes in the gastric mucosa. Results indicate that the ATPase enzyme systems are sensitive indicators of gastric mucosal disease.