TIME-DEPENDENT DYNAMICS OF GASTRIC MORPHOLOGY IN EXPERIMENTAL CARBON MONOXIDE INTOXICATION

Abstract

This article presents the results of an experimental study on the time-dependent dynamics of gastric morphological changes under chronic carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. Carbon monoxide is one of the most common toxic environmental agents causing tissue hypoxia, microcirculatory disorders, and structural damage in internal organs. The study was conducted on white laboratory rats exposed to CO over different time intervals. Histological examination of gastric tissues demonstrated progressive morphological alterations involving the mucosal epithelium, gastric glands, vascular structures, and stromal components. Early stages of intoxication were characterized by vascular congestion, edema, and mild dystrophic changes, while prolonged exposure resulted in severe degenerative and necrotic lesions, inflammatory infiltration, and atrophic changes of the gastric mucosa. The obtained findings indicate that the severity of gastric tissue injury directly correlates with the duration of carbon monoxide exposure and is closely associated with chronic hypoxia and oxidative stress.