Early Pathologic Changes of Mouse Gastric Mucosa Infected with Helocobacter pylori

Abstract

Background/Aims: The aim of the present study was to infect mice with H. pylori and then, to evaluate the effects of the infection on the early pathologic changes of gastric mucosa. Methods: A mouse- adapted H. pylori strain (SS1) was inoculated into 23 C5713L/6 mice. Twelve uninfected mice were also included as controls. The animals were sacrificed 3 days, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 16 weeks after being infected with SSL Gastric tissue were taken for histology and urease test. Results: Colonization was detectable in the stomach of all infected animals up to 16 weeks, but not in the control group. The organisms were detected in the mucus layers of the gastric epithelium. In the mice sacrificed 3 days after infection, neutrophil infiltration was identified in submucosal layer and lamina propria. Infiltration of mononuclear cells and mucosal atrophy were observed in the gastric mucosa in the mice sacrificed 4 and 8 weeks after infection respectively. In the mice sacrificed 16 weeks after infection, glandular destruction with severe infiltration of mononuclear cells was developed in the gastric mucosa. Conclusions: Acute gastritis occurred from early days after infection with SSL From 4 weeks after infection, gastric mucosa showed the features of chronic gastritis, progressing to severe atrophy. (Kor J Gastroenterol 1999;34:1 - 9)