Effect of truncal vagotomy on the state of pyloric muciferous cells

: The pyloric glands and muciferous superficial cells of the pyloric mucosal membrane have been studied in 62 patients with complicated forms of duodenal ulcer--preoperatively, 2--4 weeks, 6--12 months following truncal vagotomy with drainaged stomach. The light transmission and scanning electron microscopy and stereometry, were used as well as the determination of mucosal production and intragastric pHmetry. It is shown that vagotomy leads to a decrease of inflammatory changes without an essential influence on the pyloric gland size. Ultrastructure of muciferous cells gives evidence of their significant possibilities for mucus production, although the production of gastric mucosal components decreases postoperatively. Apart from this essential decrease of the main and parietal cell size and their secretory activity was noted. This provides an adequate level of acid-neutralizing gastric function following vagotomy.