New device for the measurement of hydrogen clearance rate from the gastric mucosa.

The hydrogen clearance rate of the nucosa of the glandular stomach of the anesthetized rat was obtained with the platinum electrode in contact with the surface of the gastric mucosa (Contact Electrode Method). By using two indicator electrodes, the gastric blood flow was measured simultaneously with one electrode in contact with the mucosal surface (Contact Electrode Method), and with the other electrode inserted into the gastric wall (Inserted Electrode Method). Pentagastrin produced increase in blood flow by both contact and inserted electrode methods. Isoproterenol stimulated blood flow as determined by the contact electrode method, but when the flow was determined by the inserted electrode method it reduced the blood flow. The combination of these two methods is useful in the determination of the blood flow in the different layers of the stomach.