EFFECT OF NITRITES AND NITRATES ON IRRIGATION AND SECRETION OF GASTRIC-MUCOSA IN RAT

An aspect of the vasomotor effect of nitrites and nitrates was studied by investigating the influence of these substances on the mucosal blood flow and hence on gastric secretion in the rat. Firstly, point measurements were obtained using an aminopyrine clearance technique after intravenous nitrite and nitrate treatment. Then with an appreciably different technique (14C-aniline clearance on perfused stomach) the kinetics of the phenomenon were followed after, firstly, intravenous administration of the two agents and secondly their intragastric administration. It is interesting to note that nitrites and nitrates are active to differing degrees and present opposing effects: nitrites decrease whereas nitrates globally enhance the factors under consideration (gastric mucosal blood flow, gastric juice volume, acid and pepsin output). The strong action of nitrites, even though retarded, persists throughout intragastric perfusion. However, intravenously administered, nitrates have a more transitory effect and cause no modification on intragastric administration. The flow rate-gastric parameter correlations are significant in all cases and show modifications of the aqueous compartments of the body. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.