Paradoxical role of Helicobacter pylori infection -: Protective effect against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in Mongolian gerbils

We investigated the effect of ethanol (a representative necrotizing agent) on gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori infection in Mongolian gerbils. Seventy-eight gerbils were used. Four and 12 weeks after H. pylori inoculation, 30% ethanol was administered into the stomach. The stomachs were removed after 30 min, the intramucosal prostaglandin (PG) E-2 concentration was measured, and histopathology was recorded. H. pylori infection caused chronic active gastritis, gastric erosion, hypersecretion of mucin from gland mucus cells; and a rise in the activity of intramucosal PGE(2). After ethanol administration, gastric erosion was significantly less in animals infected with H. pylori than in uninfected animals. In conclusion, in the early stage of H. pylori infection, accentuation of intramucosal PGE(2) and hypersecretion of mucin from gland mucus cells have a protective effect against gastric mucosal injury induced by necrotizing agents.