The influence of cortisone on the parietal cell population of the stomach in the dog.

Two experiments were undertaken in dogs to discover the influence of cortisone on the parietal cell population of the stomach. In one, samples of mucosa were removed at operation before and after the administration of cortisone in an average total dose of 39 mg. per kg. (in seven days). The thickness of the mucosa was increased by 16% and the number of parietal cells per unit area was increased by 33%. In the other experiment different doses were given by daily intramuscular injection for various periods. The dogs were killed and their whole stomachs were examined. Cortisone in an average total dose of 28 mg. per kg. (in three to seven days) increased the mean mucosal thickness by 27%, increased the number of parietal cells underlying a unit area of the gastric mucosa by 50%, and the total parietal cell population by a similar proportion. It did not influence the area of the gastric mucosa. Smaller doses of cortisone were less effective and larger ones tended to reduce the mucosal thickness and the number of parietal cells.