Effect of vagal stimulation on gastric mucosal barrier in albino rats

To study the influence of vagus nerves on gastric mucosal barrier in albino rats, gastric adherent mucus and mucosal epithelial neutral glycoproteins were quantitatively assessed after vagal stimulation at the cardio-esophageal region by a specially designed circular electrode. Gastric adherent mucus and epithelial mucus were studied from oxyntic and pyloric gland areas by Alcian blue binding and periodic acid Schiff's (PAS) staining method respectively. The results when compared with sham operated control animals showed increase in the visible mucus concurrent with decrease in PAS positive materials. The stimulation at the cardio-esophageal region of vagotomized animals did not produce these effects. This study indicates that in an acute condition, increased vagal influence is important in increasing mucus secretion and strengthening the first line of defence of the mucosal barrier.