Gastric Blood Flow in Ulcer Diseases

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Abstract
Background: Gastric blood circulation maintains the structure and functions of the stomach, and thereby is closely associated with the pathogenesis and the healing of gastrointestinal lesions. Gastric mucosal blood flow, regulated by systemic neural and humoral factors, is also modified by local metabolic factors such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, PAF and other endogenous chemical mediators in mucosa. Endothelium-derived factors that are produced by vascular endothelial cells, inducing relaxation or contraction of the blood vessels, are also recognized as basic mediators that regulate the circulation in the stomach. Results: The regionally disturbed gastric circulation in combination with the presence of acid is closely associated with the pathogenesis of NSAIDs and ethanol-induced gastric lesions. Blood flow and oxygenation in the surface mucosa surrounding the peptic ulcer change during healing, depending on the quality of the ulcer healing process: an increased blood circulation with increased oxygen supply to the ulcer margin is important for rapid ulcer healing shown by reflectance spectrophotometry. Factors altering the blood flow during the ulcer healing are discussed.