Strain differences in aspirin-induced gastric ulceration in rats

We found that there are strain differences in aspirin-induced ulceration in pylorus-ligated rats; the ulcer indices varied, from high to low, in the following order: Donryu greater than Sprague-Dawley greater than Wistar. Several experiments including analysis of gastric contents or ionic flux, determination of serum aspirin esterase activity, absorption of aspirin from the stomach, prothrombin time and hexosamine content in gastric mucosa and juice were performed to elucidate the origin of the differences. A significantly higher acid output in Donryu rats, and higher hexosamine content in the gastric mucosa of Wistar rats were noted. However, it appears unlikely that these factors only contribute to the marked strain difference in aspirin-induced ulcers. The possible different sensitivity of gastric mucosal cell itself to aspirin must be considered.