Résumé
This study was performed on 15 male patients proved by endoscopy to have duodenal ulcer, and 6 normal as control. The patients were sub-divided into 2 groups. Group B with history of smoking Group C with history of aspirin intake endoscopic. Blood samples for estimation of blood glucagon using [RIA] and biopsies from the ulcers were taken for histological and histochemical studies. Significantly high glucagon level was found in patients group 180.7 +/- 35.9 pg/ml comparing with healthy normal control 137.5 +/- 15.1, P < 0.001. In the group of patients with history of aspirin intake glucagon level was 197.5 +/- 40.3 which was stastically higher than in patients group with history of smoking [161.6 +/- 17.7, p<0.05. Histological study for the biopsies stained by Haematoxylin and Eosin [H and E] demonstrated destruction of the columnar epithelial cells covering the villi and crypts with increase in the number of goblet cells in the villi and crypts. The histochemical study of alkaline phosphatase enzyme and for APUD [Amine precursor uptake and Decarboxylation] cell granules for demonstration of Entroglucagon hormone showed increase in the activity of goblet cells and an increase in the thickening of the layer of mucin covering the surface of the villi as demonstrated by a strong positive magenta red colouration. From the above results we can suggest that blood glucagon increases in peptic ulcer as a defence mechanism to protect the mucosa by increasing goblet cells activity and mucin secretion, we can suggest the possible therapeutic value of glucagon in decreasing mucosal damage in peptic ulcer, taking into consideration its metabolic effect on carbohydrates