[Evaluation of the anti-ulcer drugs using image analysis technology: effect of aldioxa containing preparation on the experimental gastric ulcer in rats].

Direct measurements under a microscope have been employed to evaluate experimental gastric ulcers, but the following problems have been left unsettled: it takes too much time, and much experience is required to perform accurate, objective measurements. The present study demonstrates the usefulness of image analysis technology for evaluating anti-ulcer drugs. With this newly developed method, the region of gastric mucosal injury can be automatically and/or mechanically chosen on the basis of three different factors: intensity, hue and purity. Consequently, this method can be used to rapidly obtain analytical data such as the number, area and length of gastric ulcers. Effect of NNP, a preparation containing aldioxa, on three different types of experimental ulcer formation (stress-induced, ethanol-induced, and pylorus-ligation) was studied by image analysis technology. In all cases, NNP (2,562 mg/kg, p.o.) almost completely inhibited the formation of rat gastric ulcer. From the finding that image analysis technology is very useful for evaluating anti-ulcer drugs, we conclude that this method will help further the development of anti-ulcer drugs.