The relation between α-L-fucosidase activity and glycoprotein in gastric mucosa were examined in gastric ulcer formation. An experimental ulcer of the rat was produced by the injections of histamine and vitamine A.
The activity of α-L-fucosidase rose soon after histamine injection, while protein-bound fucose in gastric wall decreased and free fucose in gastric juice increased after vitamine A was administered.
Following a large dose of vitamine A, glycoprotein in the gastric mucosa were analysed by means of DEAE-column chromatography.
Glycoprotein was separated into three fractions. A remarkable decrease of fucose was seen in the first fraction.
These findings suggested that α-L-fucosidase take part in metabolism of glycoprotein in the gastric mucosa and is considered to be one of the most important aggressive factors in gastric ulcer formation.