OBJECTIVETo investigate the postburn changes in gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and their effects on gastric transmucosal potential difference (GTPD) in severely scalded rats.

METHODSRats were inflicted with hot water scald on the back. Laser Doppler blood flow meter, electric physiological recorder meter and biochemical method were employed in the study to determine the changes in GMBF, GTPD and gastric mucosal Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in the rats before injury and at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 PBHs. Normal rats served as controls, The above indices were also detected at the corresponding time points. All the data was collected and analyzed for their correlation.

RESULTSThe GMBF and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity was at 3 - 24 PBHs were evidently lower in the scalded rats than those in controls (P < 0.05 - 0.01). GTPD was decreased significantly at 6 - 48 PBHs (P < 0.05 - 0.01). was above three indices reached the lowest values at 12 PBH. By correlation analysis the results indicated that the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity The decreased in accordance with a decrease in GMBF (r = 0.527, P < 0.01). The GTPD decrease could both be induced by GMBF decrease and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity decrease (r = 0.453 and 0.527, respectively, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe decrease in GMBF and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity occurred in severely scalded rats, both changes might be the major cause of postburn gastric mucosal barrier injury.