Effects of zinc chloride on gastric secretion and ulcer formation in pylorus-occluded rats.

The effects of 10-day pretreatment with i.p. injections of zinc chloride, 16 mg/kg, on gastric secretion and on gastric ulceration induced by stress or by acid accumulation were examined in pylorus-occluded rats. Zinc chloride pretreatment significantly reduced the volume of gastric secretion and the total acid output as well as the incidence of gastric ulcers induced either by stress or by acid accumulation. The findings support the idea zinc compounds may be useful in the treatment of gastric ulcers.