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The guluronate (G) content of alginate in the fronds of Laminaria japonica and Laminaria angustata, cultured in the laboratory from zoospore via gametophyte using PESI medium, was determined by the sup1;H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic method. The G content of alginates in young fronds cultured in various conditions were shown to exceed 55%. These values were remarkably higher than those in field kelp. The G content increased with extending culture period and at Iow temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the effects of sodium alginate (AL-Na) on indomethacin-induced small intestinal lesions in rats., Methods: Gastric injury was assessed by measuring ulcerated legions 4 h after indomethacin (25 mg/kg) administration. Small intestinal injury was assessed by measuring ulcerated legions 24 h after indomethacin (10 mg/kg) administration. AL-Na and rebamipide were orally administered. Myeloperoxidase activity in the stomach and intestine were measured. Microvascular permeability, superoxide dismutase content, glutathione peroxidase activity, catalase activity, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, mucin content and enterobacterial count in the small intestine were measured., Results: AL-Na significantly reduced indomethacin-induced ulcer size and myeloperoxidase activity in the stomach and small intestine. AL-Na prevented increases in microvascular permeability, superoxide dismutase content, glutathione peroxidase activity and catalase activity in small intestinal injury induced by indomethacin. AL-Na also prevented decreases in red blood cells and white blood cells in small intestinal injury induced by indomethacin. Moreover, AL-Na suppressed mucin depletion by indomethacin and inhibited infiltration of enterobacteria into the small intestine., Conclusion: These results indicate that AL-Na ameliorates non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small intestinal enteritis via bacterial translocation.