Effect of sofalcone on gastric mucous glycoprotein in experimental gastritis induced by sodium taurocholate

Changes in gastric mucous glycoprotein (GP) and effects of the anti-ulcer agent, sofalcone, on experimental gastritis induced by 3 or 6 months administration of sodium taurocholate (TCA) were investigated. Macromolecular mucous GP determined as the hexose content, which was fractionated by gel filtration, was decreased with the development of gastritis. This was also demonstrated by the histochemical observations. Soluble mucus, which is easily released into the incubation medium, was significantly decreased, and the insoluble mucus remaining in the gastric mucosa was not changed in 3-month-old gastritis. On the other hand, insoluble mucus was significantly decreased in 6-month-old gastritis. Synthetic activity of mucous GP, which was determined by incorporation of [3H]-glucosamine and [35S]-sulfate, was not changed in 3-month-old gastritis, but, it was markedly decreased in 6-month-old gastritis. The decrease in the content and the synthetic activity of macromolecular mucous GP in 6-month-old gastritis were significantly normalized by 3 weeks administration of sofalcone. The histochemical study also supported the therapeutic effect of sofalcone. These findings suggest that the therapeutic effect of sofalcone on experimental gastritis is closely associated with increased mucus synthesis.