The protective effect of zinc on gastric ulceration caused by ethanol treatment

1. The present study was undertaken in order to demonstrate the protective action of zinc ions on the gastric mucosa of rats submitted to the ulcerogenic effect of ethanol. 2. Aqueous solutions of zinc sulfate (20 mg/kg) and/or ethanol/water (1:1, v/v) (10 ml/kg) were intragastrically administered to young adult rats. The fundus region of the stomach was submitted to scanning electron and light microscopy study. The control group received isotonic sodium sulfate by the same route. 3. The ulcerogenic action of ethanol was completely inhibited by intragastric pretreatment with zinc sulfate for 3 consecutive days. 4. The clinical use of zinc ions to protect the gastric mucosa merits consideration in the light of the present findings.