Effect of truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty on rat gastric mucosal H,K-ATPase and HCO3-ATPase activities.

The effect of truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty on rat gastric mucosal H,K-ATPase and HCO3-ATPase activities was studied 15 and 30 days past the operation. A significant decrease in gastric body mucosal H,K-ATPase activity occurred 15 days after vagotomy, compared with pyloroplasty (p < 0.05) and non-operated control rats (p < 0.01). A recovery in the enzyme activity on the 30th postoperative day occurred. Gastric body and antral mucosal HCO3-ATPase activity was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased 15 and 30 days after vagotomy and pyloroplasty, compared with pyloroplasty controls. The observed changes in gastric mucosal H,K-ATPase and HCO3-ATPase activities after vagotomy reflect the decrease in gastric acid secretion, as well as the possible changes in mucosal bicarbonate secretion and acid-base status. A gradual recovery in mucosal H,K-ATPase activity after vagotomy may occur.