The induction of intestinal metaplasia in rats by pyloroplasty or pyloroplasty plus vagotomy.

The influence of increased gastric pH on induction of intestinal metaplasia in the stomach of male JCL/SD rats was examined following surgical procedures of pyloroplasty or pyloroplasty and vagotomy. Twelve months after pyloroplasty plus vagotomy serum gastric concentrations were significantly higher (group II) than in rats receiving only pyloroplasty (group I) or in sham operated animals (group III). Additionally, trehalase activity was also higher in group II than in groups I and III. The incidence of intestinal metaplasia was significantly higher in groups I and II compared with the sham operated control animals (group III). This study indicates that intestinal metaplasia could be induced by surgical procedures such as pyloroplasty with or without vagotomy. Furthermore, elevation of the pH on gastric mucosa by such procedures may play a significant role in the subsequent development of metaplasia in the stomach.