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Biomedical subjects

K Haruma

Publications and source records attributed to K Haruma.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Necessity of multiple gastric biopsies from different sites for detection of clarithromycin-resistant Helicobacter pylori strains.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that approximately 10% of patients infected with Helicobacter pylori have both clarithromycin-susceptible and clathromycin-resistant strains. However, there have been no reports indicating whether only one gastric biopsy is sufficient to detect clarithromycin-resistant strains. METHODS: Sixty-five H. pylori-infected patients were selected for this study, and 40 of them were given clarithromycin-based eradication therapy. Four gastric biopsies, 2 from the antrum and 2 from the corpus, were obtained from each of the 65 patients. Susceptibility of H. pylori strains to clarithromycin was examined by detecting mutations of the 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of H. pylori. RESULTS: The clarithromycin-resistant strains were detected in 16 of the 65 (25%) patients. Only 5 of the 16 (31%) patients had the resistant strains in both the antrum and corpus. When only 1 or the other biopsy from the antrum was used, the resistant strains were detected in 8 (50%) or 9 (56%) of the 16 patients. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that multiple gastric biopsies from both the antrum and the corpus should be used to detect clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori strains.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Vascular endothelial growth factor-C expression predicts lymph node metastasis of human gastric carcinomas invading the submucosa.

We examined the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C expression and lymph node metastases in gastric carcinomas invading the submucosa. Of the six human gastric carcinoma cell lines, two constitutively expressed VEGF-C mRNA. In three of 12 gastric biopsy specimens (25%), VEGF-C mRNA was detected in tumour tissues, but not in corresponding normal mucosa by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Of the 139 resected gastric carcinomas, 44 (32%) showed intense cytoplasmic VEGF-C immunoreactivity in many cancer cells at the invading edge. VEGF-C immunoreactivity was associated with greater depth of tumour invasion, lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastases. In addition, vessel count was also significantly higher in the VEGF-C immunoreactive tumours than in other tumours. These results suggest that VEGF-C may be involved in the progression of human gastric carcinoma, particularly via lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-C expression at the invading edge of a gastric carcinoma may be a sensitive marker for metastasis to the lymph nodes.

Blotting, Northern↗
PubMed2002

Long-term rebamipide therapy improves Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis.

We investigated an antiinflammatory effect of rebamipide [2-(4-chlorobenzoylamino)-3-[2(1H)-quinolinon-4-yl] propionic acid], a gastroprotective agent, in H. pylori-associated gastritis. Eighty-six patients with H. pylori-positive chronic gastritis were enrolled: 53 were treated with rebamipide (300 mg daily for 12 months) and 33 served as controls. Significant decreases in mononuclear cell infiltration into the antrum and corpus were noted in the rebamipide treatment group (before vs after, 1.42 +/- 0.15 vs 1.02 +/- 0.15; P < 0.01 and 1.60 +/- 0.15 vs 1.21 +/- 0.14; P < 0.05, respectively). Levels of infiltrating neutrophil were also decreased in the antrum (before vs after, 0.98 +/- 0.14 vs 0.70 +/- 0.13; P < 0.05) and were associated with a decrease in iNOS production. Sera from patients treated with rebamipide showed a significant decrease in gastrin (276.3 +/- 58.3 pg/ml vs 173.0 +/- 34.2 pg/ml; P < 0.05), whereas no change was observed in the control group. These suggest that long-term rebamipide treatment improved histologic gastritis and decreased serum gastrin levels in H. pylori-associated gastritis.

Alanine↗
PubMed2002

Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy improves atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia: a 5-year prospective study of patients with atrophic gastritis.

AIM: : To investigate the effect of the eradication of Helicobacter pylori on histological gastritis. METHODS: : Twenty-six patients with moderate to severe atrophy received successful eradication therapy of H.pylori. Four patients dropped out and 22 were followed up prospectively for 5 years. The grades of gastritis were estimated from gastric biopsy specimens. The grade of intestinal metaplasia was also evaluated by dye-endoscopy using methylene blue (methylthioninium chloride). The serum levels of pepsinogen, gastrin and anti-parietal cell antibody were also determined. RESULTS: : The grades of atrophy decreased in patients with successful eradication therapy in the gastric corpus (before vs. 5 years after eradication, 2.09 +/- 0.15 vs. 0.91 +/- 0.17; P < 0.01) and in the antrum (2.14 +/- 0.17 vs. 1.36 +/- 0.17; P < 0.01). The levels of intestinal metaplasia were also decreased in the corpus (0.91 +/- 0.24 vs. 0.50 +/- 0.16; P < 0.05) and in the antrum (1.41 +/- 0.20 vs. 1.00 +/- 0.16; P < 0.05), which was also demonstrated by the methylene blue (methylthioninium chloride) staining method (33.4 +/- 8.2% vs. 23.0 +/- 6.5%; P < 0.05). The improvement of corpus atrophy correlated well with the high serum level of pepsinogen I (P = 0.005), but showed no correlation with the levels of anti-parietal cell antibody. CONCLUSIONS: : These results suggest that gastric atrophy and intestinal metaplasia are reversible events in some patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Evaluation of esophageal motility by endosonography using a miniature ultrasonographic probe in patients with reflux esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Although there are several established methods used to evaluate esophageal motility, none allows for direct observation of esophageal wall motion. Esophageal dysmotility is thought to contribute to reflux esophagitis (RE). The aim of this study was to evaluate esophageal wall motility by endosonography using a miniature ultrasonographic probe (MUP) in patients with RE. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 10 healthy controls (10 men with a mean age of 31.5 years) and 9 patients with RE (4 men and 5 women with a mean age of 51.5 years). High-frequency endoluminal sonography was performed using a 20-MHz transducer through a 16F gastric tube to evaluate esophageal wall motion. Four sonographic phases of an esophageal peristaltic sequence were identified. In the resting phase, the esophageal wall was in direct contact with the transducer. In the passive distention phase, the esophageal lumen was stretched maximally; in the contraction phase, it contracted; and in the relaxation phase, it returned to baseline. The baseline thickness of the muscle layers of the esophageal wall was measured at rest. The width decreased during the passive distention phase, increased and reached a maximum during the contraction phase, and returned to baseline during the relaxation phase. RESULTS: The contractility index of the circular smooth muscle (CSM) in the distal esophagus and of the longitudinal smooth muscle (LSM) in the proximal esophagus were significantly lower in patients with RE. The duration of contraction in the distal esophagus was significantly longer in RE. CONCLUSIONS: We used a MUP to demonstrate abnormalities in esophageal wall motility in patients with RE. We conclude that the MUP is a potentially useful technique for evaluating esophageal dysmotility.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Evaluation of gastric emptying measured with the 13C-octanoic acid breath test in patients with functional dyspepsia: comparison with ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: As a non-invasive modality by which to evaluate the gastric emptying of a solid meal, the 13C-octanoic acid breath test has recently become more widely used. Previously, we reported that ultrasonography was another non-invasive and reliable method for assessing gastric motility. The aim of this study was to compare the reliability of these two methods. METHODS: Seventeen patients with functional dyspepsia and 10 healthy volunteers were studied. The solid test meal consisted of a scrambled egg labeled with 13C-octanoic acid (100 mg) and served with a bowl of rice and boiled chicken (total 424 kcal). After ingestion of the test meal, all subjects were examined in the sitting position. Ultrasonography images were obtained every 15 min for 3 h. Breath sampling followed the same time schedule as for the ultrasonography, with an additional 3 h of sampling at 30-min intervals. We investigated the half emptying time (T1/2) and the lag phase with both methods. RESULTS: The T1/2 by the ultrasonography method and the breath test were positively correlated (r2 = 0.638); however, there was no significant agreement between the study groups. Both the T1/2 and the lag phase were prolonged in the functional dyspepsia patients compared with the healthy volunteers, regardless of the method of measurement. The lag phase was significantly correlated (r2=0.864) with the T1/2 by the breath test. CONCLUSIONS: Although the 13C-octanoic acid breath test cannot assess the gastric emptying of solids as reliably as ultrasonography, both tests are useful for evaluating functional dyspepsia patients with delayed gastric emptying.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Role of anti-parietal cell antibody in Helicobacter pylori-associated atrophic gastritis: evaluation in a country of high prevalence of atrophic gastritis.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori plays an important part in the progression of atrophic gastritis; however, markers for predicting the progression of atrophic gastritis remain unidentified. We investigated the relation between the degree of atrophic gastritis and the amount of anti-parietal cell antibodies (APCAs) present. METHODS: In 219 Japanese patients, APCA was investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and by Western blotting. The grade of corpus atrophy was estimated by histology and serum pepsinogen levels. Serum levels of pepsinogen were evaluated by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Helicobacter pylori infection did not affect the APCA levels determined by ELISA. Long-term administration of proton-pump inhibitors and H. pylori eradication did not influence the levels of APCAs. However, in H. pylori-positive patients, the levels of APCA determined by ELISA were statistically higher in patients with severe atrophy than in those with mild atrophy as determined histologically (0.67+/-0.48 versus 0.45+/-0.40; A492, mean+/-s, P=0.01) and serologically by pepsinogen levels (0.66+/-0.51 versus 0.44+/-0.40. P=0.002). The levels of pepsinogen I/II ratio were correlated with APCA levels only in the H. pylori-positive group. Western blotting showed that major antigen was identical with the beta-subunit of H+,K+-ATPase. CONCLUSION: APCA plays an important part in the progression of corpus atrophy after H. pylori infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Preoperative assessment of gastric cancer vascularity by flash echo imaging.

BACKGROUND: Tumor vascularity as indicated by immunohistochemical staining is a significant prognostic factor in gastric and other cancers. Non-invasive preoperative assessment of the vascularity of gastric cancers has not been possible. We aim to determine the reliability of harmonic flash echo imaging (FEI) for assessment of vascularity of gastric cancers by comparison with CD34 staining of resected specimens. METHODS: Twelve patients undergoing surgical resection of advanced gastric cancer were studied. An ultrasound system transmitting ultrasound pulses at 2.3 MHz and receiving them at 4.6 MHz (second harmonic image) was used for harmonic FEI. Approximately 30 s after intravenous injection of ultrasonic contrast medium (SHU 508A, Levovist), second harmonics (4.6 MHz) emitted from microbubbles were obtained to enhance the B-mode images. Using the tumor image showing strongest enhancement in each FEI series, regions of interest were determined to measure mean echo intensity in the tumor. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against CD34 was carried out in resected specimens. Tumor vascularity was determined by counting stained microvessels. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was noted between sonographic amplitude determined preoperatively by FEI analysis and number of CD34-stained microvessels in tumor specimens (r = 0.869, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Vascularity of gastric cancers now can be evaluated non-invasively by harmonic FEI.

Antigens, CD34↗
PubMed2002

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase, p53 and Ki-67 expression and apoptosis in colorectal serrated adenoma.

BACKGROUND: Serrated adenoma (SA) has recently been proposed as a distinct histological lesion of the colorectum. However, no definite histopathologic criteria for SA have been established, and its histogenesis and natural history remain unclear. METHODS: We analysed 25 hyperplastic polyps (HPs), 26 low-grade SAs (LG-SAs), 32 high-grade SAs (HG-SAs), 18 low-grade tubular adenomas (LG-TAs), 16 high-grade TAs (HG-TAs) and 20 carcinoma in situ (CIS). To clarify molecular features of SA, we used in situ hybridization to examine the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), immunohistochemistry to examine the expressions of p53 and Ki-67, and in situ DNA nick end labeling to detect apoptotic cells. RESULTS: The incidence of hTERT expression was 1 (4.0%) of 25 for HP, 12 (46.2%) of 26 for LG-SA, 18 (56.3%) of 32 for HG-SA, 6 (33.3%) of 18 for LG-TA, 7 (43.8%) of 16 for HG-TA, 12 (80.0%) of 15 for CIS, respectively. The incidence of hTERT expression in SA was significantly higher than that in HP. Seventeen (29%) of the 58 SAs were regarded as positive for p53 protein, but none of the HPs showed p53 immunoreactivity. Ki-67 labeling index in SA, TA and CIS was significantly higher than that in HP. The apoptototic index was not significantly different between HP, SA, TA and CIS. In HG-SA, the incidence of hTERT expression in p53-positive lesions was significantly higher than that in p53-negative lesions. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that hTERT and p53 expression increase in the early stages of carcinogenesis in SA and that SA has a malignant transformation similar to that of TA. It may be useful to investigate hTERT and p53 expression for differential diagnosis of SA from HP.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2001

Microsatellite instability is a genetic marker for the development of multiple gastric cancers.

Multiple gastric cancers are found in 5-15% of all patients with gastric cancer. However, no molecular markers have yet been shown to be clinically useful for predicting which patient will or will not have multiple gastric cancers. Recently, microsatellite instability (MSI) has been identified as a molecular marker for multiple colorectal cancers. To elucidate whether MSI could be used as a molecular marker for multiple gastric cancers, we examined MSI in 38 patients with a single gastric cancer, in 26 patients with synchronous multiple gastric cancers and in 14 patients with metachronous multiple gastric cancers. In the patients with synchronous multiple gastric cancers, 1 of the larger tumors was examined. In the patients with metachronous multiple gastric cancers, the first gastric cancer was examined. Five microsatellite loci, including D17S855, D18S58, D18S61, BAT25 and BAT40, were examined with microsatellite assay. MSI was divided into low frequency of MSI (MSI-L) and high frequency of MSI (MSI-H) by the number of affected loci. MSI-L was detected in 3 of the 38 (8%) patients with a single gastric cancer, in 7 of the 26 (27%) patients with synchronous multiple gastric cancers and in 6 of the 14 (43%) patients with metachronous multiple gastric cancers. MSI-H was detected only in 1 of the 38 (3%) patients with a single gastric cancer. The frequency of MSI-L was significantly higher in patients with multiple gastric cancers, both synchronous and metachronous, than in those with a single gastric cancer (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Patients with MSI(+) gastric cancer developed a significantly higher frequency of secondary gastric cancer, when compared with patients with MSI(-) gastric cancer (p < 0.05). These data suggest that MSI may play an important role in the development of multiple gastric cancers, and it may be used clinically as a molecular marker for the prediction of multiple gastric cancers.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗
PubMed2001

Clinicopathological significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C in human esophageal squamous cell carcinomas.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) -C in human esophageal squamous cell carcinomas to elucidate its role in lymph node metastasis and tumor progression. The expression of VEGF-C and flt-4 genes was examined in 5 esophageal carcinoma cell lines, 12 fresh biopsy specimens and 48 archival surgical specimens of human esophageal carcinoma tissues by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against CD34 (endothelial cell specific) was also carried out and microvessels were quantified by counting vessels in a 200x field in the most vascular area of the tumor. Of the 5 human esophageal carcinoma cell lines, 4 constitutively expressed VEGF-C mRNA. In 8 (66.7%) of 12 cases, VEGF-C mRNA was detected in only tumor tissues but not in normal mucosa by RT-PCR. There was a significant relationship between VEGF-C and flt-4 mRNA expression. Out of the 48 surgical specimens of esophageal carcinomas, 19 (39.6%) and 10 (20.8%) exhibited intense VEGF-C immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of many cancer cells and the stromal cells, respectively. In contrast, Flt-4 was mainly expressed on the lymphatic endothelial cells. Normal and dysplastic esophageal squamous epithelium exhibited no or faint cytoplasmic staining of VEGF-C. VEGF-C expression correlated with depth of tumor invasion, tumor stage, venous invasion, lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis. Vessel count was significantly higher in the VEGF-C positive tumors than in the negative tumors. These results overall suggest that VEGF-C may play a role in tumor progression via lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in human esophageal carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed2001

Angiogenesis at the site of deepest penetration predicts lymph node metastasis of submucosal colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: Intratumor microvessel count has been reported as a useful prognostic factor in patients with cancer of various organs. This study was undertaken to clarify the relation between microvessel count and lymph node metastasis in submucosal colorectal cancer. METHODS: Microvessel count was estimated in 254 invasive tumors that had been resected from patients with submucosal colorectal cancer. Immunohistochemistry with antibodies against CD34 was performed on archival specimens, and microvessel counts were estimated based on the average count of three fields (original magnification, x400) in the most vascular area at the site of deepest submucosal penetration. RESULTS: Microvessel count ranged from 10 to 98, with a median of 40. Lesions with high microvessel counts (> or =40) had a significantly higher incidence of lymph node metastasis than those with low microvessel counts (<40; 21.8 percent vs. 6.2 percent). None of the 79 lesions with low microvessel counts and submucosal invasion up to a depth of 1,500 microm had metastasized to the lymph nodes. In multivariate analysis, microvessel count was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis in submucosal colorectal cancer (P = 0.0026). CONCLUSION: Microvessel count at the site of deepest submucosal penetration can be one of the most useful predictors for lymph node metastasis. Analysis that combines microvessel count and depth of submucosal invasion may predict the occurrence of lesions without lymph node metastasis.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2001

B-cell monoclonality in Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic atrophic gastritis.

B-cell monoclonality has been reported not only in gastric lymphoma, but also in 1.3-21% of Helicobacter pylori-associated chronic gastritis (Hp-CG) cases. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of B-cell monoclonality in Hp-CG. We examined 134 gastric biopsy specimens from 99 patients with Hp-CG. The density of Hp, polymorphonuclear neutrophil activity, chronic inflammation, glandular atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia (IM) were scored according to the updated Sydney System. B-cell monoclonality was analyzed for immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement using polymerase chain reaction amplification. B-cell monoclonality was detected in 6% of informative samples. B-cell monoclonality was found in 18% of the samples from Hp-CG patients with marked glandular atrophy but in none of the samples from Hp-CG patients with none to moderate glandular atrophy. Monoclonality was also detected in 20% of the samples from Hp-CG patients with marked IM, in 11% of the samples from Hp-CG patients with moderate IM, and in none of the samples from Hp-CG patients without IM. Therefore, B-cell monoclonality was significantly more frequent in Hp-CG patients with marked glandular atrophy than in Hp-CG patients with none to moderate atrophy. It was also more significantly frequent in Hp-CG patients with moderate or marked IM than in Hp-CG patients without IM (P < 0.05). Of 35 Hp-CG patients, 26 (74%) had identical B-cell populations in the antrum and the corpus, and all were polyclonal. The remaining nine (26%) Hp-CG patients had B-cell populations that differed in the antrum and the corpus. Four of the nine (44%) showed monoclonal B-cell populations in at least one gastric biopsy specimen. There were no patients with monoclonal B-cell populations in both the antrum and the corpus. These data suggest that glandular atrophy and IM in gastric biopsy specimens may be markers for gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma-genesis and that multiple gastric biopsy specimens from both the antrum and the corpus may be needed to assess the risk of gastric MALT lymphoma.

B-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed2001

A low 13C-urea breath test value is associated with increased risk of gastric cancer.

PURPOSE: The 13C-urea breath test (UBT) is considered to be the most accurate way of diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection. Values are affected by H. pylori infection and by the severity of atrophic gastritis. Our objective was to determine the association of UBT values with gastric cancer, and to evaluate the risk of gastric cancer in terms of UBT values. METHODS: Our study involved 413 consecutive patients who had undergone esophagogastroduodenal examination and the UBT test. RESULTS: Of the 398 patients with positive UBT results, atrophy and intestinal metaplasia scores in both antrum and corpus were significantly higher in patients with gastric cancer than in those with gastritis, duodenal ulcer, and gastric ulcer. The UBT value related to gastric cancer (22.01 +/- 1.89%o) was significantly lower than that for gastritis (35.19 +/- 1.53%o; P < 0.01), duodenal ulcer (29.01 +/- 1.97%; P < 0.05), or gastric ulcer (30.79 +/- 2.83%; P < 0.05). When the UBT values were less than 20%, increases in the risk of gastric cancer correlated with decreasing UBT values. CONCLUSIONS; These findings indicate that the UBT value related to gastric cancer is significantly lower than that for gastritis, duodenal ulcer, or gastric ulcer in H. pylori-positive patients. Low UBT values were associated with the risk of gastric cancer.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2001

Cathepsin D expression as a possible predictor of lymph node metastasis in submucosal colorectal cancer.

The aim of this study was to clarify the usefulness of cathepsin D expression as a predictor of lymph node metastasis in submucosal colorectal cancer (CRC). Cathepsin D expression was examined immunohistochemically in cancer and stromal cells located at the deepest portion of 254 invasive tumours that had been resected from patients with submucosal CRC. In cancer cells, the expression was classified according to differences in intracellular localisation: polarity positive, apical type (PA); polarity positive, basal type (PB); polarity negative (PN); or no expression (NE). Lesions with PN or NE expression showed a significantly higher incidence of lymph node metastasis than those with PA or PB expression. Alternatively, lesions with positive expression in stromal cells showed a significantly higher incidence of lymph node metastasis than that of those with negative expression. None of the lesions with PA or PB expression and negative expression in stromal cells had metastasised to the lymph node. In conclusion, analysis combining cathepsin D expression in cancer and stromal cells may be a quite useful predictor for lymph node metastasis and may broaden the indications for curative endoscopic treatment of submucosal CRC.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Interleukin 8 and vascular endothelial growth factor -- prognostic factors in human gastric carcinomas?

Gastric carcinoma cells express potent angiogenic factors including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We previously reported that interleukin-8 (IL-8) acts as an angiogenic factor for human gastric carcinomas. More recently, we found that IL-8 upregulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and increases invasive activity of gastric carcinoma cells. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the expression of IL-8 and VEGF correlates with clinicopathological parameters in human gastric carcinomas. IL-8 and VEGF expression levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 56 gastric carcinomas and the surrounding normal mucosa. Macroscopic and histopathological tumour findings, presence of metastasis and prognosis were obtained from the patient records and endoscopic, surgical and pathological reports. IL-8 protein levels were higher in most neoplasms than in the corresponding normal mucosal tissue. In contrast, VEGF expression in the tumours was similar to that in normal mucosa. The IL-8 level in the neoplasms correlated significantly with the depth of invasion, venous invasion and lymphatic invasion. VEGF expression in the tumours correlated well with the depth of invasion and lymph node metastasis. No correlation between IL-8 and VEGF expression in the tumours was observed. The survival rates of patients with tumours displaying high IL-8 and VEGF expression levels were significantly lower (P<0.05) than those of patients with tumours displaying low IL-8 and VEGF expression. The results suggest that IL-8 and VEGF may be independent and important prognostic factors in human gastric carcinomas.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Protective effect of ammonia against reflux esophagitis in rats.

Although several recent studies have reported that curing Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) may result in the development of reflux esophagitis (RE), the mechanisms leading to this complication are unknown. One by product of H. pylori infection is ammonia, which serves as an acid neutralizer. The aim of this study was to clarify whether ammonia, which is produced during H. pylori infection, has a protective effect on the esophagus. Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fasted for 24 hrs. Under anesthesia, both the pylorus and limiting ridge were simultaneously ligated. One hour postligation, 0.3 ml of saline or ammonia at various concentrations was administered intragastrically by gastric intubation. Three hours after ligation, the animals were killed, the esophagus and stomach were removed, and the length of esophageal hemorrhagic erosions was measured. The incidence of RE was 100% (7/7) in the control group, 71% (5/7) in the low-ammonia group, 29% (2/7) in the middle-ammonia group, and 14% (1/7) in the high-ammonia group. The severity of lesions decreased in correspondence to increases in ammonia concentration. The development of RE was significantly inhibited by ammonia in a dose-dependent manner. This study indicates that ammonia protects against development of RE. A decreased amount of ammonia in the stomach might be related to the development of RE after H. pylori eradication therapy.

Ammonia↗