Surface hydrophobicity properties of rabbit stomach in vitro

To quantitate surface hydrophobicity of the stomach, we measured contact angles formed with water droplets in different regions of rabbit stomach at varying ages (suckling, weanling, and adult). Contact angles were measured using novel methods: axisymmetric drop-shape analysis-contact diameter for contact angles < 90 degrees and axisymmetric drop-shape analysis-maximum diameter for contact angles > 90 degrees. To determine whether gastric mucus was responsible for the physical properties of the surface mucosa, the surface tension of mucus derived from the body of stomach was measured by axisymmetric drop-shape analysis on pendant drops. Contact angles of adult antrum 82.9 degrees +/- 5.5 degrees (mean +/- SEM) were greater than in the body of stomach (36.1 degrees +/- 2.6 degrees, p = 0.0001). Contact angles on mucosa obtained from the body of the stomach of both suckling rabbits (76.4 degrees +/- 2.7 degrees) and weanling rabbits (84.2 degrees +/- 2.9 degrees) were greater than in adult animals (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Pendant drop analysis of mucus derived from the body of stomach showed a high surface tension (57.72 +/- 0.06 mJ/m2, mean +/- SD). We conclude that there are maturational changes and regional differences in the surface hydrophobicity of the lapine stomach. These changes are likely caused by changes in the overlying mucus layer.