[Raster electron microscopy of chronic experimental gastric ulcers]

Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine 15 rats in health and with gastric ulcer obtained according to the method of Okabe (after 1 h, 10 days and 3.5 months). The normal mucosa showed areas of microapocrine secretion. One hour following the exposure the swelling and discomplexation of the superficial epithelium and fundal glands were seen. The gaps arose between the cells thereby destroying the integrity of the mucous barrier and creating conditions for the reverse diffusion of hydrogen ions. Some of the epithelial cells showed microerosions. In the course of chronic ulcer and its healing, the mucosal surface demonstrated unusual structures occurring in the form of cylindrical hills with wide crater-like hollows and injuries to the newly formed mucosa in the form of apical erosions of the epithelial cells. Apical erosions of mucocytes occur even after 7 monts (on complete ulcer healing), such erosions are likely to be an early sign of recurrent ulcer.