Effect of cold-restraint stress and zinc acexamate on gastric mucus production in intact glands.

Gastric mucus content was morphometrically evaluated in gastric glands of normal and cold-restraint stressed rats. Variations induced by treatment with zinc acexamate (200 mg/kg p.o.) were also investigated. Stress decreased the glycoprotein content in glands located in areas of injury. However, in intact glands from the same animals, the glycoprotein content was increased and the proportion of sulphated macromolecules greatly augmented. Zinc acexamate reduced the severity of damage in stressed rats. Although it augmented mucus content it prevented the modification in sulphated macromolecules in these rats. These findings are discussed in relation to the role of gastric mucus in preventing gastric damage.