Lysophosphatidylcholine and taurodeoxycholate increase stomach permeability to different-sized molecules

The influence of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), taurocholate (TC), and taurodeoxycholate (TDC) on gastric mucosal permeability was studied in a rat experimental model, with different-sized polyethylene glycols (PEGs) in the 722-1206-dalton range as permeability markers. Gastric mucosal morphology was also studied by transmission electron microscopy. We found that 2.5 mM and 5 mM LPC and TDC, but not TC, caused an increase in the passage of PEGs across the gastric mucosa. LPC altered the permeability significantly more than did TDC. Morphologically damaged intercellular microvillous structures could be seen after LPC treatment, whereas no obvious changes could be seen after TC or TDC treatment. These findings indicate that LPC and TDC may damage the gastric mucosa and enable permeation of molecules in the 722-1206-dalton range. Molecules within this range could potentially be toxic or antigenic, and this therefore represents an aspect of interest in the pathology of enterogastric reflux. Furthermore, the results indicate that dihydroxy secondary bile acids (TDC) have a more pronounced effect on gastric mucosal permeability than trihydroxy primary bile acids (TC).