Histology of experimental stress ulcer: the effect of cimetidine on adrenaline-induced gastric lesions in the rabbit.

The gastric mucosal injury produced by i.p. instillation of adrenaline in the rabbit was examined and assessed histologically. Mucosal lesions were classified by microscopy into two types bearing distinct histological features. In Type A oedema only was seen and in Type B erosion and/or haemorrhage were added. Statistical analysis revealed that mucosal lesions were related to adrenaline dose. Cimetidine was ineffective in protecting against the stress-related gastric lesion in the present rabbit model. Biochemical studies demonstrated that severe lesions were associated with depleted mucosal histamine.