Fluorographic study on the oxidative stress in the process of gastric mucosal injury: Attenuating effect of Vitamin E

Abstract In vivo oxidative change was visualized in the gastric mucosa of rats and the alteration was analysed by using a fluorescence microscope equipped with a digital imaging processor during the development of mucosal damage. Dichlorofluorescein (DCF)‐associated fluorescence increased after the repeated electrical stimulation on the gastric artery (irritation), suggesting the occurrence of lipid peroxidation. The increase was enhanced in the mid‐zone of two adjacent collecting venules. Allopurinol attenuated the oxidative stress in mucosa, showing the involvement of xanthine oxidase. Luminol‐dependent chemiluminescence value in the blood taken from gastric vein was elevated by the irritation, suggesting that leucocyte‐generated oxygen radicals also participate in this oxidative process. α‐Tocopherol attenuated both the DCF activation and the increase in chemiluminescence value and prevented gastric mucosal injury. The present results suggest that α‐tocopherol may be useful for the prevention of oxidative alteration in gastric mucosa.