Lysophosphatidylcholine-induced gastric injury and ulceration in the guinea pig

The effect of lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) on the guinea pig stomach was studied. At concentrations observed in gastric secretions of gastric ulcer patients (1 to 2 mM), lysoPC induced both functional and morphologic changes in the gastric mucosa. Two millimolar lysoPC caused back diffusion of H+ and forward diffusion of Na+, indicating impairment of the gastric mucosal barrier. In the lysoPC-treated stomachs, an increase was observed in 1) the number of mucosal erosions, 2) the intensity of inflammation, and 3) the degree of vascular congestion. Microvascular plugging by platelets, vascular stasis, and polymorphonuclear leukocyte margination were dose-responsive to lysoPC. Pretreatment of animals with aspirin (20 mg/kg) did not alter injury. These results indicate a role of lysoPC reflux in gastric mucosal injury, including mucosal erosions and ulcerations.