Gastric mucosal damage induced by lateral hypothalamic lesions in rats: the potential contribution of bile

The present study was conducted to investigate the potential contribution of bile to gastric mucosal damage induced by lesions of the lateral hypothalamic area in rats. In two separate experiments it was found that (1) lateral hypothalamic lesions did not alter the rate of bile flow in the acute preparation, but (2) bile duct ligation significantly reduced the incidence of gastric mucosal damage. Based on these and previous findings it is suggested that the reflux of bile interacts with the weakened gastric mucosal barrier to elicit ulceration.