Objective:To establish a rat model of gastric ulcer by chronic psychological stress

observation the effects of Jiawei Sini San (JWSNS) on gastric mucosal morphology

plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

serum cortisol (CORT) and blood flow in gastric mucosal of model rats

and study the mechanism of protection. Method:Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:normal group

model group

JWSNS small

middle

big doses (10

5

2.5 g·kg-1) groups

omeprazole (3.0 mg·kg-1) group. Besides normal group

gastric ulcer was induced by chronic psychological stress in other groups using 10 unpredictable stimulation methods in four weeks. After two weeks of the stress

the treatment groups were ig given the drugs (in 2 mL of volume) accordingly

while the blank control group and model group were gavaged with normal saline of 2 mL daily After 4 weeks

morphological changes in gastric tissue were observed

gastric mucosa ulcer index (UI)

gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF)

plasma ACTH and serum CORT were determined. Result:After 4 weeks

gastric mucosa in model group showed diffuse bleeding ulcer. Compared with the normal group

the gastric mucosa injury was obvious

UI

plasma ACTH

serum CORT were significantly higher (P<0.01)

while GMBF

gastric mucosa repair rate were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group

JWSNS dose groups showed reduced gastric mucosal injury

the gastric mucosal UI

plasma ACTH

serum CORT were significantly decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05)

while GMBF

gastric mucosa repair rate were increased significantly (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Conclusion:Chronic psychological stress could damage gastric mucosa significantly in rats

inducer gastric mucosal UI

elevate plasma ACTH and serum CORT

decrease GMBFand gastric mucosa repair ability. JWSNS could reduce significantly psychological stress-induced gastric mucosal injury

effectively reduce the ulcer index

regulate neuroendocrine function

increase GMBF and improve mucosal repair capacity.