Gastric mucosal cytoprotection by splanchnicectomy is based on protection of gastric mucosal blood flow

Prior reports have shown the protective effect of splanchnicectomy against stress-related gastric mucosal injury. The present study evaluated the possible relation of such cytoprotection with an effect on gastric acid secretion and gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF). Miniature swine were divided into sham-operated and celiac ganglionectomy groups. Three weeks postoperatively all animals underwent hemorrhagic shock stress. Neither basal nor peak gastric acids was affected by splanchnicectomy or sham operations. Significant GMBF reductions occurred in early shock in both treatment groups. In the sham pigs these GMBF reductions persisted, while in the splanchnicectomy pigs, GMBF in late shock returned to normotensive levels. These results demonstrate that splanchnicectomy: 1) has no effect on basal or maximally stimulated gastric acid secretion, and 2) is associated with reestablishment of GMBF to preshock levels during sustained hypotension. These results indicate a beneficial effect on GMBF as a factor in gastric cytoprotection afforded by splanchnicectomy.