Effect of Heparin on the Formation and Healing of Gastric Ulcers Induced by Acetic Acid Application on the Gastric Mucosa in Rats

The key factor in maintaining the integrity of the gastric mucosa is its normal blood supply, respectively, the use of drugs that improve it, including through a positive effect on the rheological properties of blood, is in demand for the treatment of gastric ulcer. These drugs include the anticoagulant heparin. The aim of the work is to study the effect of heparin on the formation and healing of gastric ulcers induced by the application of 60% acetic acid to the gastric mucosa in rats, while assessing the possible risk of bleeding. After application of acetic acid (day 0), the area of gastric ulcers was assessed on the 4th day (formation of the ulcers) and the 7th day (healing of the ulcers). To assess the effect on ulcer formation, heparin (1000 IU/kg/day, subcutaneously) was administered from days 0 to 3, and on the healing from days 4 to 6 after acid application. To check for possible bleeding under the influence of heparin, the level of hemoglobin in the blood was tested before acid application (basal), on the 4th and 7th days after application. The degree of bleeding was assessed based on the relative decrease in hemoglobin levels. The administration of heparin led to a decrease in the average area of ulcers both on the 4th and on the 7th day compared with that in control rats (heparin vehicle). In control rats, both on the 4th and on the 7th day, the hemoglobin level was reduced compared to the corresponding basal level. Heparin had no effect on the hemoglobin level at day 4, but potentiated the decrease in mean hemoglobin level at day 7, increasing the number of animals having a greater relative decrease in hemoglobin level compared to the corresponding control group. Thus, heparin may have a gastroprotective effect, manifested both in the weakening of the formation of an ulcer and in the acceleration of its healing, however, there is a risk of bleeding when the ulcer heals.