Abstract

A constant-pressure system using a fluorocarbon (FC-75) containing artificial medium was used for vascular perfusion of the isolated rat stomach. A 10% emulsion of FC-75 in a modified Tyrode solution, containing 3.5% bovine serum albumin, amino acids, nucleosides, and beta-hydroxybutyrate appeared to allow an adequate perfusion for at least seven hours. The following criteria were used to estimate for functional state of the perfused stomach: (1) venous flow, (2) oxygen consumption, (3) leakage from the blood vessels to the gastric lumen, (4) ultrastructure, (5) secretion of H+ and pepsinogen after stimulation, and (6) transport of labelled macromolecules. During perfusion oxygen consumption and venous flow remained, after an initial high value, constant for at least seven hours. Leakage from the vascular bed was absent. Ultrastructure was preserved for at least seven hours. Administration of pilocarpine led to secretion of HCl ad pepsinogen. Pentagastrin and histamine stimulated HCl secretion in only some of the preparations. [3H]-galactose was incorporated into macromolecules and transported from the Golgi-region towards the apex of the cell. These observations led to the conclusion that the described vascular perfusion system in at least an appropriate model for studying glycoprotein synthesis.