lower oesophageal sphincter in the cat: a histological study

The structure of the lower cesophageal sphincter [LOS] of the cat was investigated in comparison with that of the oesophagus. The following two main results were collected: [1]. The muscularis mucosae of the lower oesophageal sphincter is much thicker than at the oesophageal level [221 Um as compared with 18 Um on the average]. This thickening is particularly marked at the most prominent foldings of the mucosa. [2] Numerous annulo-spiral thin elastic fibres were found in the circular muscle layer of the LOS. These structures coil spirally around muscular bundles and then wrap themselves around adjacent bundles so that they present an oblique orientation with regard to muscular fibres. Therefore, it is concluded that in this species, the LOS in morphologically differentiated from the oesophagus

Effect of paracetamol administration on aspirin induced gastric erosions

Thirty-six adult male and female rates were used in this investigation. The rats were given either aspirin, paracetamol or both to study the effect of these drugs on gastric mucosa. Single dose of acetyl-salicylic acid [aspirin] was found to induce gastric erosions. The erosions were more marked after prolonged administration. Single or prolonged administration of large analgesic doses of paracetamol were followed by minimal changes in the gastric mucosa. The continued use of paracetamol is recommended when there is a possibility of gastric injury. Simultaneous administration of paracetamol and aspirin was found to decrease the incidence of gastric lesions induced by aspirin alone. Pretreatment with paracetamol one hour before administration of a single oral dose of aspirin did not effect its erosive activity, whereas the post-treatment with paracetamol inhibite the erosive effect of acetylsalicylic acid. In addition, paracetamol was found to stimulate the process of healing of the erosions induced by prolonged administration of aspirin

Effect of dietary habits on the structure of parotid gland

The effects induced by changing the dietary habits on the structure of the parotid glands were studied in thirty-six adult male albino rats. Rats receiving only excess water showed early reduction in P.A.S. reaction of the parotid acini, followed by degenerative changes and diminution of their size. However, the intralobular ducts were slightly affected. The parotid glands of rats fed on maize starch showed early hypertrophic changes in the acini and the secretory ducts which persisted for one week, followed by signs of exhausion, These changes are believed to be due to either nervous or hormonal factors elicited by the starch