Alterations in gastric physiology caused by selective embolization and vasopressin infusion of the left gastric artery.

Alterations in gastric physiology caused by selective embolization and vasopressin infusion of the left gastric artery were evaluated in 29 dogs. Gastric acidity was not significantly altered following Gelfoam embolization but decreased sharply with vasopressin infusion. These results suggest that the segmental occlusion caused by Gelfoam embolization permits significant collateral blood flow to the gastric mucosa, while the arteriolar and capillary constriction caused by vasopressin effectively decreases mucosal blood flow. These findings are consistent with the clincal observation that embolization is more effective in controlling bleeding ulcers, while vasopressin infusion is more effective for controlling hemorrhagic gastritis.