[Hydrochloric acid and pepsin secretion and the structure of the stomach in experimental protein malnutrition]

In adult male rats submitted during 12 weeks to a diet containing 2,5% protein the amount of hydrochloric acid and of pepsin was determined and the macro and microscopic morphology of the stomach was studied. A group fed a diet containing 20% protein was used as control. The statistical analysis of the data obtained showed that the apparent differences in the secretion of acid as well as pepsin could be attributed to the different body weights of the two groups. The morphological examination showed papillomas, frequently ulcerated occurring in the forestomach of the undernourished rats. In these areas, histological examination revealed hyperkeratosis and acanthosis. The glandular epithelium showed neither macroscopic nor microscopic alterations.