Summary
The healthy gastric mucosa varied in appearance within a wide range. When the rate of acid production by the parietal cells was relatively slow the mucosa was always comparatively pale and in this state relatively resistant to injury unless the continuity of its protective covering mucus was interrupted.
Accelerated acid production and motor activity were always accompanied by hyperaemia and engorgement of the mucosa. When vascular engorgement was prolonged the rugae became intensely red, thick and turgid presenting the picture of what has been called “hypertrophic gastritis.” In this state the mucosa was unusually fragile, haemorrhages and small erosions resulting from even the most minor traumata. Lowering of the pain threshold occurred and symptoms were often associated with this condition. Thus the difference between hyperfunction in the stomach and “hypertrophic gastritis” was seen to be mainly one of degree. Continued exposure of a small erosion to the digestive action of gastric juice for 4 days resulted in a peptic ulcer.
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This investigation was aided by a grant from the Josiah Macy, Jr., Foundation.
Read at the Annual Meeting of the American Gastro-Enterological Association at Atlantic City, N. J.. June 8-9, 1942
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Wolf, S., Wolff, H.G. The gastric mucosa, “Gastritis” and ulcer. Journ. D. D. 10, 23–28 (1943). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02997406
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02997406