In vitro effects of hydrochloric acid and various concentrations of acetic, propionic, butyric, or valeric acids on bioelectric properties of equine gastric squamous mucosa

Frank M. Andrews Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996.

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Benjamin R. Buchanan Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996.

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Sionagh H. Smith Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996

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Sarah B. Elliott Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996.

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Arnold M. Saxton Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.67.11.1873
Volume/Issue:
Volume 67: Issue 11
Online Publication Date:
01 Nov 2006
Restricted access
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Abstract

Objective—To compare the effects of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and various concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) on tissue bioelectric properties of equine stomach nonglandular (NG) mucosa.

Sample Population—Gastric tissues obtained from 48 adult horses.

Procedures—NG gastric mucosa was studied by use of Ussing chambers. Short-circuit current (Isc) and potential difference (PD) were measured and electrical resistance (R) and conductance calculated for tissues after addition of HCl and VFAs (5, 10, 20, and 40mM) in normal Ringer's solution (NRS).

Results—Mucosa exposed to HCl in NRS (pH of 1.5 and, to a lesser extent, 4.0) had a significant decrease in Isc, PD, and R, whereas tissues exposed to acetic acid at a pH of < 4.0, propionic and butyric acids at a pH of ≤ 4.0, and valeric acid at a pH of ≤ 7.0 induced a concentration-dependent effect on reduction in these same values. Values for Isc returned to baseline (recovery of sodium transport) after addition of calcium carbonate in tissues exposed to all concentrations of VFAs except the higher concentrations of valeric acid at a pH of ≤ 4.0. Histologic examination revealed cell swelling in the mucosal layers below and adjacent to the stratum corneum in tissues exposed to HCl and VFAs at a pH of ≤ 4.0.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The VFAs, especially acetic acid, in the presence of HCl at a pH of ≤ 4.0 appear to be important in the pathogenesis of NG mucosal ulcers in horses.

Abstract

Objective—To compare the effects of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and various concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) on tissue bioelectric properties of equine stomach nonglandular (NG) mucosa.

Sample Population—Gastric tissues obtained from 48 adult horses.

Procedures—NG gastric mucosa was studied by use of Ussing chambers. Short-circuit current (Isc) and potential difference (PD) were measured and electrical resistance (R) and conductance calculated for tissues after addition of HCl and VFAs (5, 10, 20, and 40mM) in normal Ringer's solution (NRS).

Results—Mucosa exposed to HCl in NRS (pH of 1.5 and, to a lesser extent, 4.0) had a significant decrease in Isc, PD, and R, whereas tissues exposed to acetic acid at a pH of < 4.0, propionic and butyric acids at a pH of ≤ 4.0, and valeric acid at a pH of ≤ 7.0 induced a concentration-dependent effect on reduction in these same values. Values for Isc returned to baseline (recovery of sodium transport) after addition of calcium carbonate in tissues exposed to all concentrations of VFAs except the higher concentrations of valeric acid at a pH of ≤ 4.0. Histologic examination revealed cell swelling in the mucosal layers below and adjacent to the stratum corneum in tissues exposed to HCl and VFAs at a pH of ≤ 4.0.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The VFAs, especially acetic acid, in the presence of HCl at a pH of ≤ 4.0 appear to be important in the pathogenesis of NG mucosal ulcers in horses.

Contributor Notes

Dr. Buchanan's present address is Brazos Valley Equine Hospital, 6999 Hwy 6, Navasota, TX 77868.

Dr. Smith's present address is Easter Bush Veterinary Center, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, Scotland, UK.

Supported by grants from the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the University of Tennessee Centers of Excellence in Livestock Diseases and Human Health.

The authors thank Dr. Christopher J. Richards, Nathanial Clariday, Leah Edwards, and Stephanie Gagliardi for technical assistance.

Address correspondence to Dr. Andrews.
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 Nov 2006
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