Structural changes of the human gastric mucosa in senescent subjects

Thirty human subjects ageing 60-72 years were investigated to study the structural changes which occur in the gastric mucosa with advancing age. Five healthy subjects of young age [27-30 years] were also included as a control group. Gastric biopsies were taken from all cases and multiple specimens were processed for a histological and histochemical study using the routine hematoxylin and eosin stain, succinic dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. There was a significant difference in the histological and histochemical examination of the human gastric mucosa of the control and elderly subjects. A disturbed functional state of the gastric mucosa in senescent subjects seemed to be correlated with advancing age