[Histomorphologic studies of the detection of disordered barrier function of the gastric mucosa]

The gastric mucous barrier is characterized anatomically and by physicochemical processes ("double barrier"). Its main components, such as a mucus cover, foveolar epithelium and mucosal interstitium can be investigated by morphological methods. In the present light microscopical study an analysis of mucosal changes after peroral aspirin administration was performed. A significant difference was found between the reaction pattern of antral and corpus mucosa. The distribution of pathologic changes found in stromal microcirculation (ectasia and hyperemia of blood vessels, deformation and rouleaux-formation of red cells, beginning hemolysis) suggests an indirect action of aspirin through vasoactive mediators rather than a direct effect of the drug. The data are compatible with a significant role of a compromised microcirculation in the pathogenesis of epithelial defects.