Effect of Celiac Ganglionectomy upon Experimental Peptic Ulcer Formation.

Abstract

Complete removal of the celiac and superior mesenteric ganglia was performed in 2 series of dogs, respectively. A 3d series of normal dogs were used as controls. Varying intervals up to 16 1/2 months were allowed tc elapse following extirpation of these ganglia. The dogs were then given a daily intramusc. injn. of 30 mg. of histamine-base in beeswax, for not more than 5 consecutive days, as a stimulus to ulcer formation. The results indicate that postganglionic sympathetic denervation of the stomach and duodenum (celiac ganglionectomy) results in a pronounced increase in susceptibility to the histamine-induced peptic ulcer. During similar test periods, 100% of the animals with celiac ganglionectomy developed ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, compared to an incidence of 10% in a group of unoperated control animals. Removal of the superior mesenteric ganglia in addition to the celiac ganglia augments even more the observed susceptibility to the histamine-induced ulcer and some of these animals were observed to develop spontaneous gastro-intestinal ulceration. The physiologic effects of postganglionic sympathectomy upon the gastro-intestinal tract are discussed.