Effects of purified scorpion toxin (tityustoxin) on gastric secretion in the rat

An i.v. bolus injection of a purified scorpion toxin (tityustoxin, TsTX) in urethane anesthetized rats induced a dramatic increase in volume, acid and pepsin output of gastric juice and a significant decrease in its pH. The maximal stimulatory effects of TsTX on gastric secretion were obtained with a dose of 0.25 mg/kg acting for 60 min. Hexamethonium did not prevent the gastric secretion evoked by TsTX, whereas atropine or cimetidine abolished partially or totally the toxin effects. Acute bilateral cervical or abdominal vagotomy did not prevent the effects of TsTX on gastric secretion, but chronic abdominal vagotomy abolished the toxin effects. Chronic antrectomy diminished the effect of TsTX on gastric secretion. In the pylorus-ligated group of rats, the gastric secretion evoked by TsTX was not different from that observed in the pylorus-intact group. It is concluded that the changes in gastric volume, acid output, pH and pepsin output induced by TsTX in the rat are due to the release of chemical mediators from postganglionic autonomic nerve fibers which would act through muscarinic and H₂-receptors stimulation.     

Role of gastric acid and bile acids in the pathogenesis of compound 48/80-induced gastric lesions in rats

We studied the effects of various agents, which influence gastric acidity and bile acids, on compound 48/80 (48/80)-induced gastric lesions in rats. 48/80-Induced gastric lesions were produced by repeated intraperitoneal administration of 48/80 at 0.75 mg/kg once daily for 4 days. Test agents were given orally twice daily (30 min before and 9 hr after 48/80 administration) for 4 days. AI(OH)3 and sucralfate at 2000 mg/kg/day, a weak antacid dose, significantly inhibited (about 50-60%) the development of 48/80-induced lesions. Propantheline at 60 mg/kg/day and omeprazole at 60 or 200 mg/kg/day, which reduced gastric secretion for more than 12 hr, also significantly inhibited (about 30-40%) these lesions. Cimetidine at 200 mg/kg/day, which reduced gastric secretion for only 5 hr, had little effect on the lesion formation. Cholestyramine, which is a potent bile acids binding agent, had no effect on 48/80-induced lesions in doses of 600 or 2000 mg/kg/day. These results suggest that gastric acid, but not bile acids, is partly involved in the pathogenesis of 48/80-induced gastric lesions.     

Effect of omeprazole on gastric secretion in H+,K+-ATPase and in pepsinogen-rich cell fractions from rabbit gastric mucosa

In order to study the effects of the substituted benzimidazole omeprazole on gastric secretory functions, parietal cells and chief cells from rabbit gastric mucosa were separated and enriched by density gradient centrifugation in Percoll. H+,K+-ATPase activity, as well as a 100,000 dalton protein, was found to copurify with a cell fraction morphologically characterized as mainly parietal cells (purity approximately 65%), while pepsinogen copurified with a cell fraction morphologically characterized as chief cells (purity approximately 90%). A spontaneous pepsinogen release (9.9 micrograms/mg cell dry wt X 2 hr), unaffected by both atropine and omeprazole, was found in the chief cell fraction. The release was approximately doubled by both carbacholine (4 X 10(-5)M) and dibutyryl cAMP (db-cAMP, 10(-3)M). The cholinergic stimulation was selectively blocked by atropine, while omeprazole had no effect on pepsinogen release induced by either of the secretagogues. On the other hand, omeprazole inhibited both db-cAMP- and histamine-stimulated acid secretion quantified as [14C]aminopyrine (AP) accumulation in the parietal cell fraction. Cimetidine counteracted only acid secretion induced by histamine. These findings indicate that omeprazole has a specific effect on acid secretion, and are consonant with the hypothesis that the effect is due to H+,K+-ATPase inhibition.     

The influence of 2-(2,6-dichlorphenylamino)-2-imidazoline hydrichloride (clonidine) and some related compounds on gastric secretion in the anaesthetized rat

Drugs tested on the anesthetized rat were: clonidine, naphazoline, xylometazoline, tolazoline, and phentolamine. Clonidine, naphazoline, xylometazoline and tolazoline produced a dose dependent stimulation of gastric acid secretion. The effect was probably not related to the influence of these drugs on haemodynamics. Phentolamine did not increase gastric acid secretion.

The increased production of gastric acid was hardly affected by atropine but was considerably reduced after pretreatment with hexamethonium. Only the effect of tolazoline was completely blocked by atropine.

Clonidine was less effective in the anaesthetized guinea pig than in the rat.

Clinidine did not affect gastric secretion in the despinalized (pithed rat). The response to histamine was also markedly reduced.

The stimulatory effect of clonidine and related drugs in the anaesthetized rats is possibly caused by a histamine-like action or by the liberation of histamine. Ganglionic stimulation may also contribute. In conscious animals the decreased gastric secretion resulting from treatment with clonidine is probably of central origin.     

The effect of SC-15396, atropine and mepyramine on gastrin-, bethanechol- and histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion in rats and guinea-pigs

The effect of SC-15396 (“antigastrin”; 2-phenyl-2-(2-pyridyl)thioacetamide), atropine and mepyramine on gastrin-, bethanechol- and histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion was studied in rats and guinea-pigs. For all three stimulants parallel dose response curves were obtained except in guinea-pigs where bethanechol even in very high doses displays a poor activity in stimulating gastric acid secretion. The maximal secretory response was found to be 12·7 ± 5·0 μ-equiv HCl/10 min in rats and 53·2 ± 27£9 μ-equiv HCl/10 min in guinea-pigs. All stimulating effects on gastric acid secretion were reduced by SC-15396; atropine abolished the secretory responses to bethanechol. Mepyramine was ineffective. In accordance with these findings the mechanism of action of gastrin and a receptor model on the oxyntic cell are discussed.     

Inhibition of pepsin secretion by metiamide and atropine in the conscious rat.

The inhibition of pepsin secretion by metiamide and atropine has been studied in the gastric fistula rat and the Heidenhain pouch rat. A comparison of the effectiveness of metiamide and atropine in inhibiting pepsin secretion was made by using doses of the antagonists which produced a similar level of inhibition of acid secretion. In the gastric fistula rat both atropine and metiamide inhibited the basal pepsin output, but atropine was more effective than metiamide in this respect. In the Heidenhain pouch rat a large dose of metiamide which inhibited bethanechol-stimulated acid secretion had no significant effect on the corresponding output of pepsin. In this preparation atropine inhibited both acid and pepsin secretion. Possible reasons for the differences in the two preparations are discussed.     

Effects of esomeprazole on glutathione levels and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in the gastric mucosa of rats treated with indomethacin

Proton pump inhibitors exert their preventive and healing effects on gastropathy induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) by a dual action: the antisecretory and the antioxidant effect. The latter was investigated by using esomeprazole against indomethacin-induced gastric mucosa lesions in rats and assessed by a histomorphometric analysis. Treatment by intragastric gavage were 1% methocel as vehicle; esomeprazole 10, 30, or 60 μmol/kg; indomethacin 100 μmol/kg; and esomeprazole 10, 30, or 60 μmol/kg plus indomethacin 100 μmol/kg. The evaluation of glutathione (GSH) levels and respiratory chain complex activities [nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced (NADH)-ubiquinone oxidoreductase, succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome C reductase, cytochrome oxidase] was performed in the isolated gastric mucosa. Esomeprazole (10–60 μmol/kg) dose dependently reversed, up to complete recovery, the inhibitory effect of indomethacin on GSH levels (approximately 60% inhibition) and mitochondrial enzyme activities (inhibition ranging from 60% to 75%). Indomethacin-induced mucosal injuries were reduced by esomeprazole. Thus, in addition to inhibiting acid secretion, the gastroprotective effect of esomeprazole can be ascribed to a reduction in gastric oxidative injury.     

Role of central prostaglandin E2 in the regulation of gastric acid secretion in the rat.

The central action of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on gastric acid secretion was investigated in rats by comparing the effects of intracisternal (i.ci.) and i.v. administration of PGE2 and the influence of i.ci. injection of indomethacin on acid secretion and PGE2 generation in the brain and stomach. I.ci. injections of PGE2 (1-10 micrograms) or the stable analog, 16,16-dimethyl PGE2, (0.01-0.1 micrograms) induced a dose dependent inhibition of baclofen-stimulated gastric acid secretion by 0-82% and by 7-87% respectively. I.v. infusion of PGE2 also induced a dose related inhibition of baclofen-stimulated acid secretion, but 10 fold higher doses were required. I.ci. or i.v. injection of indomethacin in doses ranging from 50 to 500 micrograms/rat, produced a similar dose dependent inhibition of the PGE2 generation in both the gastric mucosa and brain cortex measured 1 h post injection. I.ci. injection of indomethacin (500 micrograms) increased within 10 min acid secretion with a peak response at 20-30 min; 60-120 min post injection, when prostaglandin synthesis was inhibited by 90%, basal and baclofen-stimulated acid output were not altered. These results further establish that PGE2 acts in the brain to inhibit vagally stimulated gastric acid secretion in rats, and do not support a tonic inhibitory influence of endogenous brain PGE2 in the regulation of gastric acid secretion. In addition, these data showed that indomethacin injected i.ci. at 500 micrograms does not induce a selective inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the brain.     

Capsaicin-sensitive vagal stimulation-induced gastric acid secretion in the rat: evidence for cholinergic vagal afferents.

1. The effects of electrical vagal stimulation on frequency-dependent gastric acid secretion were investigated in urethane-anaesthetized rats in vivo. 2. Stimulation at 4, 16 or 32 Hz was performed in rats treated with atropine (1 mg kg-1, i.v.), hexamethonium (10 mg kg-1, i.v. bolus and 1 mg kg-1 min-1, i.v. infusion) or atropine and hexamethonium (doses as above); in some experiments pentagastrin (1.2 micrograms kg-1 h-1, i.v. infusion) was infused prior to stimulation. 3. Maximal acid secretion occurred at 16 Hz. This was significantly reduced but not abolished by atropine or hexamethonium and completely abolished after atropine and hexamethonium. In the presence of pentagastrin, the acid secretory response to 16 Hz stimulation was augmented, atropine or hexamethonium reduced stimulated secretion by about 70%, whereas atropine and hexamethonium completely abolished stimulated secretion. 4. In rats in which the vagus nerve was pretreated with capsaicin 10-14 days before experimentation there was a significant reduction (by about 40%) in stimulated acid secretion at 16 Hz, which was virtually abolished by atropine treatment. After acute treatment of the vagus nerve with capsaicin (at the time of experimentation) maximally stimulated acid secretion was significantly reduced by about 50%. 5. Taken together, these results indicate that capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibres contribute to the acid secretory response induced by electrical vagal stimulation in the rat. Based on pharmacological evidence, the capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibres may be cholinergic, since atropine and hexamethonium totally abolish vagal stimulation-induced acid secretion.     

Antiallergic asthma effect of ipatropium bromide (Sch 1000) in dogs (author's transl)]

Antiasthmatic effect of ipratropium bromide (Sch 1000) which is a quarternary ammonium derivative of atropine was investigated in comparison with atropine in anesthetized dogs. Asthmatic responses were provoked with inhalation of Ascaris suum antigen. Sch 1000 (0.1 approximately 0.3%) and atropine (0.1 approximately 0.3%) were given by inhalation for 10 min prior to or after the antigen inhalation. Pretreatment of Sch 1000 and atropine inhibited the increase in respiratory resistance (Rrs) induced by antigen by 55 approximately 75% and 25 approximately 50%, respectively. After treatment with each drug, the enhanced Rrs was reduced by 40 approximately 55% and 35 approximately 40%, respectively. The activity of Sch 1000 was three fold stronger than that of atropine. Sch 1000 and atropine also effectively inhibited the increase in airway secretion produced by antigen, while both drugs in 0.3% solution had no effect on the normal bronchial tone and secretion. The findings suggest that vagal activity is involved in allergy related asthma and inhalations of anticholinergic drugs such as Sch 1000 show promise in the treatment of bronchial asthma.     

Capsaicin-sensitive vagal afferent fibers and stimulation of gastric acid secretion in anesthetized rats

The sensory neurotoxin, capsaicin, has been used to study the reflex pathway by which gastric acid secretion increases in response to gastric distension in urethane-anesthetized rats. Capsaicin (1%) or vehicle (10% Tween 80 in olive oil) was applied directly to each cervical vagus 7-14 days prior to experiments. Gastric acid secretion was measured in acute gastric fistula rats by continuous intragastric perfusion and back titration or by flushing the gastric contents with saline every 10 min. Gastric acid secretion was stimulated by distension (5 ml for 6 min) or by injection of secretagogues (histamine 5.0 mg/kg s.c., bethanechol 0.5 mg/kg s.c. or pentagastrin 16 micrograms/kg per h i.v.). Gastric distension increased gastric acid secretion 6.2 times over basal gastric acid secretion in vehicle-treated control rats; capsaicin pretreatment significantly reduced this response by 40%. Bilateral cervical vagotomy significantly reduced the secretory response to gastric distension in the vehicle-treated group to a level not significantly different from capsaicin-treated rats. The secretory response to histamine was reduced by 42% in capsaicin-treated rats compared to vehicle pretreatment whereas the responses to pentagastrin and bethanechol were unaltered. These results indicate that capsaicin-sensitive vagal afferent fibers mediate the vagal portion of the secretory response to gastric distension; in addition these afferents play a role in the gastric acid secretory response to histamine.     

Effect of amodiaquine on gastric histamine methyltransferase and on histamine-stimulated gastric secretion.

1 Amodiaquine was found to be a potent inhibitor in vitro of gastric histamine methyltransferase from human and canine corpus and from pig antrum. The ID50 for the enzyme, purified from pig antrum mucosa by ultracentrifugation and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, was 2.5 muM. 2 In six dogs with Heidenhanin pouches the maximum secretory response to histamine (40 mug/kg i.m.) was augmented by i.m. injection of amodiaquine. The augmentation depended on the dose of amodiaquine, the optimum effect (40% increase in volume of gastric juice, 80% in acid output) being achieved with 2 mg/kg. The maximum secretory response to betazole was also enhanced by amodiaquine. 3 It was suggested that amodiaquine may enhance the histamine and betazole stimulated gastric secretion by an inhibition of gastric histamine methyltransferase in vivo.     

The effect of atropine on acid secretion stimulated by acetylcholine, histamine and gastrin in the isolated whole stomach of the rat.

1 An isolated stomach preparation from immature rats has been used to study the effect of atropine on gastric acid secretion. 2 The acid secretory response to acetylcholine was not inhibited by atropine at a concentration of 0.3 micrometer. Concentrations of atropine of 1 to 3 micrometer produced a measurable inhibition of acid secretion, and a concentration of atropine of 10 micrometer caused a complete block of acid secretion which could not be surmounted by high concentrations of acetylcholine. 3 The acid secretory response to histamine was not inhibited by concentrations of atropine of up to 1 mM. 4 Concentrations of atropine of 1 micrometer and 10 micrometer did not inhibit gastrin-stimulated acid secretion, although a significant inhibition of acid output was observed with atropine at concentrations of 0.1 mM and 1 mM. 5 These findings are discussed in relation to the role of cholinergic mechanisms in the control of gastric acid secretion.     

Effects of phenacetin,paracetamol and caffeine on the erosive activity of acetylsalicylic acid in the rat stomach: dose-response relationships,time course of erosion development and effects on acid secretion

Adult male and female Wistar rats were equally susceptible to gastric injury induced with acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). Both in male and in female rats simultaneous administration of caffeine and aspirin caused significantly more gastric erosions than the same dose of aspirin alone; likewise addition of paracetamol to aspirin decreased the incidence of gastric lesions in either sex, and addition of phenacetin to aspirin had no effect. The potentiation by caffeine and the inhibition by paracetamol were both dose-dependent and only markedly influenced the development of erosions after 3–4 h. Pretreatment with phenacetin or paracetamol 1 h before administration of aspirin did not affect its erosive activity. Administration of benorylate caused no more gastric erosions than the vehicle or than equivalent mixtures of aspirin and paracetamol. The histamine-stimulated acid output of the stomach during gastric perfusion with aspirin was rapidly diminished. Neither paracetamol nor caffeine initially affected this decrease in acid output. However, 30 min after perfusion with aspirin and caffeine, acid secretion increased approximately as strongly as after caffeine alone. Caffeine potentiates aspirin-induced erosions by its stimulatory effect on acid secretion whereas paracetamol inhibits these erosions by preventing their growth.     

Sympatho-adrenomedullary system mediation of the bombesin-induced central inhibition of gastric acid secretion

Possible mechanisms of the inhibitory effect of bombesin on gastric acid secretion were examined in rats anesthetized with urethane. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of bombesin (0.1-3 nmol) dose dependently inhibited the increase in gastric acid secretion induced by both intravenous (i.v.) administration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose 60 mg/kg and electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve (1 mA, 0.5 ms, 3 Hz), but not increase due to i.v. infusion of bethanechol (10 micrograms/kg per min). Such an inhibitory effect of bombesin on the gastric response was markedly reduced by bilateral cutting of the greater splanchnic nerves. The inhibitory effect of bombesin on gastric acid secretion induced by stimulation of the vagus nerve was not modified either by chemical sympathectomy with 6-hydroxydopamine or by bilateral adrenalectomy alone. However, this inhibitory effect of bombesin was abolished under conditions of combined chemical sympathectomy and adrenalectomy. These results suggest that bombesin (i.c.v.) probably excites the sympatho-adrenomedullary system and thus induces inhibition of gastric acid secretion. Furthermore, a dysfunction of the sympathetic or of the adrenomedullary system may well be functionally compensated for by the system with unaltered function.     

Omeprazole inhibition of nocturnal gastric secretion in patients with duodenal ulcer

We studied the effect of single 08.00 h doses of omeprazole or placebo on gastric acid secretion during the following night, 14 to 23 h after administration, in seven male subjects with duodenal ulcer. The drug was given orally, double-blind, in randomized order. Omeprazole 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg reduced mean total overnight acid output by 43%, 73% and 91% respectively and median pH increased from 1.4 with placebo to 1.6, 3.1 and 7.0 respectively. The inhibitory effect was maintained throughout the study period. No clinical side effects or abnormalities of laboratory screening tests were seen. Omeprazole is well tolerated and administration at 08.00 h produces prolonged dose related inhibition of acid output during the following night.     

Effect of metiamide, a histamine H2-receptor antagonist on reserpine-induced gastric ulcers and acid secretion

The effect of metiamide on reserpine-induced gastric ulcers and on gastric secretion during 6 h after ip administration was investigated in conscious intact rats and in rats with chronic gastric fistula. Reserpine, 3 mg/kg ip increased substantially the concentration of gastric acid in the first 4 h. Metiamide given every 3 h in a low dose (0.01 mumol/kg) intensified reserpine-induced gastric ulcers and also significantly increased the reserpine-induced acid concentration and output. In larger doses, (50-100 mumol/kg) metiamide considerably diminished gastric ulcer development and decreased gastric acid concentration. Given every 2 h metiamide in doses of 50-100 mumol/kg almost completely abolished gastric ulcer formation and markedly reduced the secretion of gastric acid in reserpinized rats. Anti-ulcer effect of metiamide was stronger than its antisecretory action, suggesting also the antiulcer action of metiamide other than inhibition of acid secretion. The results suggest that in conscious rats histamine H2-receptors are involved in reserpine-induced gastric ulcer development and gastric acid secretion. The antiulcer effect of metiamide may in part depend on its antisecretory action.     

Omeprazole in elderly duodenal ulcer patients: relationship between reduction in gastric acid secretion and fasting plasma gastrin

Summary The effect of omeprazole on acid secretion and gastrin levels has been investigated in 10 elderly duodenal ulcer patients in remission. Doses of 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg omeprazole were given once daily for 7 consecutive days and the basal (BAO) and peak (PAO) acid output and fasting plasma gastrin concentration were measured 24 h after the seventh dose.Omeprazole suppressed PAO significantly and dose-dependently after doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg, the suppression being 42%, 75% and 85%, respectively. No patient showed complete inhibition of PAO and at least 20 mg had to be given to obtain a marked inhibitory effect in all patients. Increasing the dose to 40 mg had only a slight additional effect compared to 20 mg. There was a relationship between degree of acid inhibition and the increase in fasting plasma gastrin. PAO had to be suppressed by more than 80% before a moderate increase in fasting plasma gastrin was observed.The optimal once-daily oral dose of omeprazole for inhibition of acid secretion in elderly patients appears to be 20 mg. Omeprazole 20–40 mg may cause a moderate increase in fasting plasma gastrin.Supported by grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council (project no: 17X-760)     

Some pharmacodynamic effects of the babesicidal agents quinuronium and amicarbalide

The intravenous injection of a therapeutic dose of quinuronium methylsulphate (1 mg/kg) causes a fall in blood pressure in sheep, which is partly prevented by mepyramine and abolished by atropine. Larger doses of quinuronium cause more marked hypotension and inhibition of respiratory movement, which are not affected by atropine. Quinuronium strongly increases the amplitude of contraction of the isolated rabbit heart. This effect is not antagonized by atropine or mepyramine. Contractions of plain muscle in the guinea-pig and sheep, and hypersecretion of gastric acid in the rat and of saliva in the sheep were all produced by quinuronium. The responses to acetylcholine were potentiated by quinuronium, an effect which was abolished by atropine. Amicarbalide isethionate by comparison was weakly active. The drug causes no change in blood pressure, smooth muscle contraction or salivary secretion, but stimulates gastric secretion and partially inhibits the actions of acetylcholine in these preparations.     

Surface epithelial cell damage induced by restraint and water-immersion stress in rats effects of 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 on stress-induced gastric lesions

The time-course of gastric mucosal surface epithelial cell damage and macroscopically visible lesions in response to restraint and water-immersion stress (22 degrees C) in rats was examined, and the effects on it of 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (dmPGE2) were compared with those of papaverine, timoprazole and atropine. The stress produced surface epithelial cell damage prior to visible lesion, the former increasing in severity with time and reaching a plateau 60 min later, by which time exfoliation of surface epithelial cells was observable along the mucosal folds. In contrast, macroscopically visible lesions appeared 2 hr after stress, and severity continued to increase with time. Pretreatment injections (s.c.) of dmPGE2 (3, 30 micrograms/kg), papaverine (100 mg/kg) and atropine (1 mg/kg) protected the surface cells against stress (1 hr)-induced damage, and inhibited visible lesion formation after 4 hr stress. Timoprazole (30 mg/kg, s.c.) did not protect the surface cells, but did markedly inhibit visible lesion formation. dmPGE2, papaverine and atropine, but not timoprazole, inhibited stress-induced increases in gastric contractions. dmPGE2, timoprazole and atropine, but not papaverine, inhibited acid secretion in stress-conditions. These results indicated that stress induced damage to the gastric mucosa within 1 hr due to increased gastric contractions, and the surface epithelial cell damage developed into macroscopically visible lesions in the presence of acid, and that dmPGE2 protected the surface epithelium against stress-induced damage probably by inhibiting gastric contractions.