Effects of zinc sulphate on gastric mucosal blood flow and gastric emptying of the rat.

Zinc sulphate (50 mg kg-1 p.o.) did not modify basal gastric mucosal blood flow, as measured by [3H]aniline clearance, but inhibited its reduction by noradrenaline (3.5 micrograms kg-1 min-1). Zinc sulphate also influenced gastric emptying of phenol red but its effects depended upon the dose; 30 mg kg-1 caused no variation whereas 80 mg kg-1 induced a significant delay. The nature of both actions is discussed and their implications in the development and prevention of gastric ulceration have been analysed.