In vitro recovery of canine gastric mucosal surface hydrophobicity and potential difference after aspirin damage.

This study determined how the luminal surface hydrophobicity and transmucosal potential difference (PD) of canine gastric mucosa changed during the recovery period after the tissue was challenged with acidified aspirin. Luminal aspirin reduced both the contact angle and PD of mucosae incubated in Ussing chambers. After the removal of aspirin, surface hydrophobicity was found to recover before PD, and nutrient 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 accelerated the recovery of both parameters. Restoration of luminal surface hydrophobicity may be an important component of how the stomach reestablishes its barrier properties after exposure to a luminal damaging agent.