Changes in the lipid balance in the gastric mucosa in rats under acute stress

BACKGROUND: Stress gastric ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer that develops in response to severe physiological or psychological stress. The causes of stress ulcers in the gaster have not yet been fully studied. AIM: To evaluate the composition of lipids in the gastric mucosa in rats under acute stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All rats included in the study (n=30) were divided into two groups. Group 1 (main group, n=20) included animals with a model of stress gastric ulcer created by stimulation with electrical impulses for 12 h. Group 2 (control group, n=10) included animals with no manipulations. At the end of the experiment, the effective and total concentration in blood serum of all animals was measured, followed by the calculation of the albumin binding reserve, and the plasma toxicity index. We also visually assessed the degree of damage to the gastric mucosa and determined the lipid composition. RESULTS: Our study showed that a stressful situation led to endogenous intoxication in group 1. A decrease in the level of phosphatidylcholine by 16.3% and phosphatidylserine by 18.6% in stressed rats demonstrates the destruction of the cell membrane associated with apoptosis, which macroscopically manifested as spot hemorrhages, erosions, and ulcers in the gastric mucosa. An increase in monoacylglycerol by 34.4% and diacylglycerol by 53.4% in group 1 indicates an increase in membrane permeability and induction of regenerative processes. CONCLUSION: In a stressful situation, a decrease in both total and effective albumin concentrations contributes to endogenous intoxication, leading to lipid imbalance, cell membrane damage, and the development of acute gastric mucosal injury.