Effects of 12-sulfodehydroabietic acid monosodium salt (TA-2711), a new anti-ulcer agent, on gastric secretion and experimental ulcers in rats

Effects of 12-sulfodehydroabietic acid monosodium salt (TA-2711), a new anti-ulcer agent, on gastric secretion and experimental ulcers were investigated in rats. Oral administration of TA-2711 at doses of 25 to 100 mg/kg immediately after pyloric ligation markedly reduced pepsin activity and slightly lowered acid concentration without affecting the volume of gastric juice. Addition of TA-2711 (0.25-16 mg/ml) directly to gastric juice also reduced pepsin activity in vitro. Oral TA-2711 dose-relatedly inhibited the formation of pylorus-ligated ulcers (50-200 mg/kg), aspirin-induced gastric erosions (25-100 mg/kg) and cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers (100-800 mg/kg). In addition, this drug prevented both the formation of gastric lesions (6.3-100 mg/kg, p.o.) and the fall in gastric potential difference (100 mg/kg, p.o.) induced by ethanol. The preventive effect against ethanol-induced lesions was suppressed by pretreatment with indomethacin (10 mg/kg, s.c.). Intravenous dosing of TA-2711 (10-100 mg/kg) never produced such effects on ethanol-induced lesions and pepsin activity as observed by oral administration. These results indicate that TA-2711 exerts its anti-ulcer effect by a local action, and it is suggested that both reduction of pepsin activity and a mucosal prostaglandin-mediated process are involved in the anti-ulcer action of TA-2711.     

Effects of 15(R)-15-methyl prostaglandin E2 (arbaprostil) on gastric secretion and various gastric lesions induced in rats

We studied the effects of 15(R)-15-methyl prostaglandin E2 (arbaprostil) on gastric secretion and various acute and chronic gastric lesions produced in rats. Arbaprostil significantly inhibited gastric secretion in 4 hr-pylorus-ligated preparations when given intraduodenally in a dose of 30 or 100 micrograms/kg. The agent, however, significantly stimulated gastric secretion of rats with either a ligated or intact pylorus when given orally in doses of 3-100 micrograms/kg. Orally administered arbaprostil dose-dependently prevented the development of HCI-ethanol-, histamine-, water-immersion stress-, or indomethacin-induced gastric erosions. Intraduodenally administered arbaprostil also dose-dependently prevented the development of aspirin-induced gastric erosions in pylorus-ligated rats. Arbaprostil, given orally in doses of 1-100 micrograms/kg twice daily for 2 weeks, had little or no effect on the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers. However, oral administration of the agent in a dose of 3 or 10 micrograms/kg twice daily for 4 weeks significantly accelerated the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers. The increase in doses up to 100 micrograms/kg twice daily for 4 weeks had no effect on ulcer healing. These results indicate that arbaprostil, at either antisecretory or even acid stimulating doses, is effective in preventing the development of acute gastric erosions and in accelerating the healing of chronic gastric ulcers.     

Effect of DS-4574, a novel peptidoleukotriene antagonist with mast cell stabilizing action, on acute gastric lesions and gastric secretion in rats.

DS-4574 is a peptidoleukotriene antagonist with mast cell stabilizing activity. In the present study, we studied the effects of this compound on gastric secretion and various acute gastric lesions in rats. Intraduodenal administration of DS-4574 at doses of 5 to 10 mg/kg significantly and dose-dependently inhibited gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats, but a further increase in the dose up to 50 mg/kg did not cause any further inhibition. Shay ulceration in response to pylorus ligation was dose-dependently prevented by DS-4574 (10-25 mg/kg, i.d.). Water-immersion restraint stress- and aspirin-induced gastric ulcers were also significantly prevented in a dose-related manner by oral pretreatment with DS-4574 (10-50 mg/kg). The lower doses of DS-4574 (1-10 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly and dose-dependently protected the gastric mucosa against the necrotizing action of either absolute ethanol or concentrated hydrochloric acid, indicating that this compound possesses a potent gastroprotective activity. These antiulcer and gastric protective effects of DS-4574 were more potent than those of cimetidine used as a reference drug. These findings suggest that DS-4574 is useful for peptic ulcer therapy, as well as for the therapy of various allergic diseases, including asthma.     

Effects of morphine on gastric ulceration, barrier mucus and acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats

The effects of intraperitoneal (IP) or intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of morphine on acid and pepsin secretion, gastric ulceration and gastric bound mucoproteins were investigated in pylorus-ligated rats. Morphine, administered IP, produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the gastric secretion volume, acidity, pepsin output and bound mucoproteins. By contrast, the effect of morphine on gastric ulcers was not dose-dependent: a significant increase in gastric lesions was obtained with morphine 5 mg/kg IP. Naloxone IP prevented the effects of morphine on gastric secretory volume, acidity and pepsin output, but not on gastric mucus and ulcer score. ICV administration of morphine induced a dose-dependent inhibition of secretory volume, acidity and ulcer score, whereas no modification of gastric mucus was observed. Naloxone ICV prevented the effects of ICV morphine. Overall results suggest that morphine inhibits gastric secretion through both central and peripheral opioid receptors, whereas the inhibitory effect of morphine on bound mucus appears to be exerted on mucus synthesis through peripheral opioid receptors. This inhibitory effect on barrier mucus accounts at least in part for the gastric ulcerogenic action of morphine.     

Cytoprotective action of mast cell stabilizers against ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats

We examined the effects of FPL-52694 and disodium cromoglycate (DSCG), mast cell stabilizers, on HCl X ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats and investigated the factors involved in their protection. Oral (p.o.) administration of 1 ml of HCl X ethanol (60% in 150 mM HCl) induced linear hemorrhagic lesions in the gastric mucosa within 1 hr. FPL-52694 (1-30 mg/kg), given both p.o. and intraperitoneally (i.p.), prevented these lesions in a dose-related manner. DSCG (3-30 mg/kg) also dose-dependently reduced the formation of these lesions when this agent was given i.p. The protective effects of these drugs on HCl X ethanol-induced lesions were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with indomethacin (5 mg/kg, s.c.). Both gastric acid secretion and transmucosal potential difference were significantly reduced by topical application of FPL-52694 (greater than 10 mg/kg), but were not affected by i.p. administration of FPL-52694 and DSCG. On the other hand, gastric motor activity measured as intraluminal pressure recordings was significantly inhibited for 2 hr by both FPL-52694 (p.o. and i.p.) and DSCG (i.p.), and these effects were also significantly antagonized with prior administration of indomethacin. A significant relationship was found between the effects of these two drugs on the lesion index and the motility index (r: 0.9214, P less than 0.01), but not other factors. These results suggest that mast cell stabilizers such as FPL-52694 and DSCG protect the gastric mucosa against HCl X ethanol through a systemic action, probably mediated with endogenous prostaglandins. Although the mechanism of cytoprotection remains unknown, this property may be related to their inhibitory effects on gastric motor activity.     

Effects of a new histamine H2-receptor antagonist, ranitidine, on experimental acute gastric and duodenal ulcers (author's transl)

Ranitidine at 100 to 200 mg/kg (i.d. or p.o.) potently inhibited the development of Shay ulcers, indomethacin- or phenylbutazone-induced gastric ulcers and histamine-carbachol-induced duodenal ulcers in rats. Ranitidine at 100 mg/kg (p.o.) also inhibited the development of water-immersion stress-induced gastric ulcers in rats, histamine-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers in guinea pigs, even though the inhibition rate remained within 70%. At that time, the gastric acid output in guinea pigs was reduced with some doses of the drug. Cimetidine at 100 to 200 mg/kg (p.o.) also inhibited the development of indomethacin-, phenylbutazone-, and water-immersion stress-induced gastric ulcers in rats and histamine-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers in guinea pigs. Shay ulcers and histamine-carbachol-induced duodenal ulcers in rats were not affected by cimetidine. Both ranitidine and cimetidine inhibited the gastric acid output in pylorus-ligated rats (7 hr); the maximal inhibition being 79.6% and 50.7% respectively. The mechanism by which ranitidine inhibits various experimental ulcers might be mainly the inhibition of gastric secretion. Gefarnate at 300 mg/kg (p.o.) significantly inhibited phenylbutazone-induced gastric ulcers in rats but had no effect on other ulcer models.     

Effects of propranolol on gastric secretion in albino rats

1 Effects of graded doses of propranolol have been studied on gastric secretion and gastric ulcers in pylorus-ligated rats.2 A dose-dependent action of propranolol was observed; small doses increased total volume, acid output and pepsin secretion along with an increase in the incidence of ulcers but high doses were inhibitory.     

Anti-ulcer activity and mode of action of the polysaccharide fraction from the leaves of Panax ginseng.

The effects of a weakly acidic polysaccharide fraction, GL-4, from the leaves of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer on various experimental gastric ulcer models in mice and rats have been studied. Oral administration of GL-4 at doses of 50 to 200 mg/kg inhibited the formation of the gastric lesions induced by necrotizing agents such as HCl/ethanol and ethanol in a dose-dependent manner. This protective effect was observed not only upon oral but also upon subcutaneous administration of GL-4 (50-100 mg/kg). GL-4 also inhibited the formation of gastric ulcers which were induced by water immersion stress, indomethacin, or pylorus-ligation. The contents of prostaglandin E2 in the gastric juice from rats were not influenced by oral administration of GL-4. The protective action of GL-4 against HCl/ethanol-induced gastric lesions was not abolished by pretreatment with indomethacin. When GL-4 (100 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered into pylorus-ligated rats, both gastric acidity and pepsin activity in the gastric juice decreased significantly.     

Preventive and curative effects of curcumin on the development of gastric inflammatory diseases in rats

Preventive and curative effects of curcumin on experimental acute and chronic gastric ulcers were investigated to validate its clinical application on a remedy for peptic ulcer. Intraduodenal administration of curcumin, 5–20 mg/kg, inhibited gastric acid secretion in pylorus-ligated rats, and oral administration prevented ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal lesions. Curcumin (20–80 mg/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently prevented both serotonin-induced gastric mucosal lesions and compound 48/80-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats. Furthermore, oral administration of curcumin, 10–80 mg/kg, twice daily for 10 days, significantly accelerated the healing of acetic acid-induced chronic gastric ulcer and promoted mucosal regeneration in the ulcerated portion in a dose-related manner. Cimetidine prevented the formation of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions, but not of serotonin-induced and compound 48/80-induced gastric mucosal lesions. Consecutive administration of cimetidine showed a marked acceleration in the healing of acetic acid-induced ulcer. Aminoguanidine, an inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, showed anti-ulcerogenic effects similar to those oberved for curcumin. The present results indicate that curcumin exhibits gastric cytoprotection in the acute lesion models and ulcer healing promotion in the chronic ulcer model. The preventive and curative effects of curcumin might be due to an increase in the mucosal defensive mechanism through its antioxidant property and inhibition of NO or cytokine-mediated inflammation.     

Effects of 2-benzyloxycarbonylphenyl trans-4-guanidinomethylcyclohexanecarboxylate hydrochloride monohydrate (TKG01) and its clathrate compound with beta-cyclodextrin (TA903) on experimental gastric ulcers and gastric secretion in rats

Effects of TKG01 on gastric ulcers and gastric secretion in rats were investigated in comparison with those of TA903, which is the equimolar clathrate compound of TKG01 anhydride with beta-cyclodextrin. The doses were adjusted on a molecular weight basis to include the same amount of TKG01 anhydride. Water-immersion stress ulcers were dose-dependently (100, 300 mg/kg) inhibited by TA903 given orally, but only significantly inhibited by TKG01 (300 mg/kg). TA903, given orally, even in low doses (30, 100 mg/kg) potently inhibited HCl-ethanol ulcers, whereas TKG01 did not inhibit these ulcers. Both TA903 and TKG01, given orally (100, 300 mg/kg), showed similar inhibition of indomethacin ulcers. TA903, given intraduodenally (100, 300 mg/kg), dose-dependently inhibited gastric secretion (volume, acid output and pepsin output) in pylorus-ligated rats, but TKG01 only inhibited pepsin output (100, 300 mg/kg). These results showed that TA903 had a broader spectrum of anti-ulcer effects than TKG01 and the mechanism of TA903 could involve both its cytoprotective activity and its anti-secretory effect.     

Inhibition of gastric acid secretion with a mast cell stabiliser, FPL-52694.

1 The effect on gastric acid secretion of a mast cell stabiliser FPL-52694 was examined in nine healthy volunteers. 2 The compound which is moderately well absorbed after oral ingestion, was taken for 5 days prior to the measurement of acid secretion and was also given intravenously during part of the gastric test. A submaximal dose of pentagastrin (0.3 microgram/kg/h) was given by intravenous infusion for 2 h in a controlled test and then after administration of FPL-52694. 3 There was a significant reduction (37%) in acid secretion during the second test which was probably due to the effect of the compound on mast cell degranulation in the gastric mucosa.     

Inhibition of gastric acid secretion in the conscious dog by the mast-cell stabilizing agent, FPL 52694

The effects of the mast-cell stabilizing agent, FPL 52694, on gastric acid secretion in conscious dogs with gastric fistulae have been studied. FPL 52694 (5 or 10 mg kg-1 h-1) given intravenously during a plateau response to pentagastrin stimulation (2 micrograms kg-1 h-1) caused a maximum inhibition of acid output of about 50% but had no significant effect on volume output so that the [H+] in the juice was markedly reduced. The ratio of mucosal blood flow/acid output (Ra) was increased in the presence of FPL 52694. There was no maintained reduction of [H+] when inhibition was due to cimetidine (4 mumol kg-1, i.v.). Instillation of FPL 52694 (4.35 mg ml-1) directly into the stomach via the fistula for 30 min also resulted in an inhibition of acid output and reduction of [H+] during both pentagastrin-(2 micrograms kg-1 h-1) and histamine-stimulated (30 micrograms kg-1 h-1) secretion. Inhibition of pentagastrin-stimulated acid output by intragastric administration of FPL 52694 was much greater than the maximum effect seen following intravenous infusion. The results are discussed in relation to the possible mode of action of FPL 52694. It is concluded that FPL 52694 is active orally and has a novel action on acid secretion which may include stimulation of gastric bicarbonate secretion.     

Effects of 5-acetylspiro[benzofuran-2(3H),1'-cyclopropan]-3-one, a new anti-ulcer agent, on experimental acute and chronic ulcers

The effects of 5-acetylspiro[benzofuran-2(3H),1'-cyclopropan]-3-one (AG 629), a newly synthesized compound, on various experimentally induced ulcers were investigated. Oral or intraduodenal administration of AG 629 in a dose range of 25-100 mg/kg inhibited water-immersion stress ulcer, exertion ulcer, Shay ulcer, indometacin- and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced gastric ulcer, and indomethacin-induced small intestinal ulcer in rats, histamine-induced gastric ulcer in guinea pigs, and ASA-induced gastric ulcer in dogs, though it was not effective against cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer in rats. AG 629 in doses of 6.3-25 mg/kg p.o. twice a day significantly promoted the healing of acetic acid- or thermal-cortisone-induced gastric ulcers and acetic acid-induced duodenal ulcers in rats. AG 629 (25-100 mg/kg i.d.) inhibited the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin in pylorus-ligated rats and the acid secretion stimulated by distension of the rat stomach with air, whereas this compound did not affect acid secretion stimulated by histamine, pentagastrin, carbachol or 2-deoxy-D-glucose. This study shows that AG 629 has both prophylactic and curative effects on various ulcers. The anti-ulcer effect of this agent seems to be mediated primarily by increasing mucosal resistance and secondarily by an antisecretory activity.     

Gastric antisecretory and anti-ulcer effect of ME3407, a new benzimidazole derivative, in rats

The effects of a new benzimidazole derivative, ME3407 (n-butyl-2-(thiazolo-[5,4-b]pyrid-2-yl) sulfinylacetate, CAS 133903-90-9), on gastric acid secretion and gastric and duodenal ulcers in rats were examined. ME3407, given orally, inhibited dose-dependently (0.3-30 mg/kg) the incidence of gastric lesions such as Shay ulcers, and water-immersion stress-, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)- and histamine-induced erosions. In addition, ME3407 showed marked therapeutic effect on HCl- and ASA-induced lesions. In the lumen-perfused rats, oral administration of ME3407 inhibited dose-dependently (1-100 mg/kg) gastric acid secretion induced by histamine and tetragastrin with ED50 values of 3.02 and 3.37 mg/kg, respectively. Oral administration of ME3407 at a dose of 30 mg/kg also inhibited the elevation of serum gastrin level. The development of duodenal ulcers caused by mepirizole and systeamine was also potently inhibited by ME3407 at an oral dose of 0.1-30 mg/kg. However, when given at 30 mg/kg intraduodenally, subcutaneously or intravenously, ME3407 did not inhibit these acutely induced gastric elosion and acid output. ME3407 was not detected in the serum upon oral administration. These results indicated that ME3407 was active only by oral administration, and exerts direct action on the ulcers and acid secretion from the gastric membrane.     

Antiulcer effects of 3-[[[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl] carbamoyl]methyl]-amino-N-methylbenzamide in experimental gastric and duodenal ulcers

Effects of 3-[[[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]carbamoyl] methyl]-amino-N-methylbenzamide (DQ-2511), a newly synthesized compound, were evaluated using various types of experimental gastric and duodenal ulcers in rats. Pretreatment with DQ-2511, over the dose range 30-300 mg/kg p.o., resulted in a dose-related inhibition of water-immersion stress-, serotonin-, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-, indometacin-, ethanol-, and 2-deoxy-D-glucose(2DG) plus indometacin-induced gastric ulcers as well as cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers. The antiulcer potencies of DQ-2511 were equal to or greater than those of H2-receptor antagonist cimetidine in these ulcer models except for ASA- and 2DG plus indometacin-induced ulcers. The rate of healing of chronic gastric ulcers induced by acetic acid was significantly accelerated by DQ-2511 (100 and 300 mg/kg p.o.) but not by the same doses of cimetidine. DQ-2511, at doses of 30 mg/kg p.o. and above, produced a significant decrease in gastric acid and pepsin output in pylorus-ligated rats. In anesthetized rats with acute gastric fistulae, 30 mg/kg i.v. of DQ-2511 significantly inhibited gastric acid secretion stimulated by 2DG, whereas it did not affect gastric hyperacidity evoked by either carbachol, histamine or pentagastrin. At effective antiulcer doses, this compound produced a sustained increase in gastric mucosal blood flow in conscious, restrained rats. Based on these observations, DQ-2511 is characterized as a new antiulcer compound with beneficial effects on both gastric aggressive and defensive factors. Furthermore, these results indicate a possible superiority of DQ2511 over cimetidine in regard to its antiulcer potency and spectrum.     

Inhibitory effect of L-glutamine on the aspirin-induced gastric lesions in the rat

The effects of an amino acid, L-glutamine, on aspirin-induced gastric lesions and gastric secretion were studied in either intact or pylorus-ligated rats. L-Glutamine had a pronounced inhibitory effect on gastric lesions induced by aspirin administered by oral, intraperitoneal, or intraduodenal routes to intact or pylorus-ligated rats. By the oral route the inhibition was dose-related. However, L-glutamine given either intraduodenally or intraperitoneally did not show any appreciable effects on gastric lesions induced by orally administered aspirin in pylorus-ligated rats. One mechanism of L-glutamine protection was inhibition of a back diffusion of gastric acid caused by aspirin and this was demonstrated in pylorus-ligated rats. The reduction in H⁺ and increase in Na⁺ concentrations in the lumen caused by aspirin was returned to normal by increasing doses of L-glutamine. In addition, L-glutamine was considered to inhibit the back diffusion of acid caused by pylorus ligation per se, because the amino-acid produced an increment of H⁺ and reduction of Na⁺ and K⁺ in comparison with the control group. The role of pepsin on L-glutamine protection was negligible.     

Effect of an H+, K+-ATPase inhibitor, omeprazole (OPZ), on gastric acid secretion and gastric or duodenal lesion. Comparison with an H2-receptor antagonist, famotidine (FMD)

In pylorus ligated rats, OPZ inhibited gastric acid secretion dose-dependently, with a potency greater than that of FMD. At the same time, OPZ increased gastric K+ secretion and inhibited pepsin and Na+ secretions at the highest dose. In Heidenhain pouch dogs, single injection of OPZ inhibited gastric acid secretion induced by histamine to a degree almost equal to that by FMD. In the case of repeated administration, anti-secretory activity of OPZ was enhanced by up to several days and then remained constant. After several days, the inhibitory activity of OPZ was more potent and longer than that of FMD, and it still had not ceased 22hr after administration. In pylorus ligated rats, OPZ prevented gastric ulceration, and the potency was greater than that of FMD. OPZ promoted healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers induced by acetic acid in rats. At the same doses, FMD failed to promote the healing of both ulcers. In water-immersion stressed rats, OPZ prevented formation of gastric erosions, with a potency greater than that of FMD. In addition, OPZ prevented formation of gastric erosions induced by ethanol in rats. These results indicate that the anti-secretory and anti-ulcer activities of OPZ are superior to those of FMD, so that OPZ should have excellent therapeutic application for peptic ulcers.     

Effects of ranitidine, a new histamine H2-receptor antagonist, on secretagogue-stimulated gastric secretion in Heidenhain pouch dogs (author's transl)

The effects of ranitidine on gastric secretion stimulated with gastric secretagogues were studied in 6 Heidenhain pouch dogs (both male beagle and mongrel). Cimetidine was used as a reference drug. Either histamine 2HCl (40 micrograms/kg), pentagastrin (2 micrograms/kg) or carbachol (2 micrograms/kg) was given intramuscularly, every 15 min for 120 min. Gastric juice was collected at each 15 min interval and analyzed for volume, acidity and pepsin activity. Either ranitidine (0.3, 1 or 10 mg/kg) or cimetidine (1 or 10 mg/kg), packed in a gelatin capsule, was given orally 60 min before the initial injection of each stimulant. Both ranitidine and cimetidine dose-dependently inhibited histamine- and pentagastrin-stimulated gastric secretion (volume, acid and pepsin output). These agents also inhibited the carbachol-stimulated secretion, but the antisecretory effects were weak as compared with their effects on histamine- and pentagastrin-stimulated secretions. The antisecretory effect of ranitidine on each stimulant is roughly 2 to 17 times more potent than cimetidine on the basis of ED50 (anti-secretory dose which inhibits gastric secretion by 50%). The antisecretory effect of ranitidine (10 mg/kg) on pentagastrin-stimulated secretion was observed even 10 hr after its oral administration.     

Effects of nicorandil on experimentally induced gastric ulcers in rats: a possible role of K(ATP) channels

The anti-ulcer effects of nicorandil [N-(2-hydroxyethyl)nicotinamide nitrate ester] were examined on water-immersion plus restraint stress-induced and aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in rats, compared with those of cimetidine. Nicorandil (3 and 10 mg/kg) given orally to rats dose-dependently inhibited the development of acid-related damage (water-immersion- and aspirin-induced gastric lesions) in the models. Cimetidine (50 mg/kg, p.o.) also had anti-ulcer effects in the same models. However, in the presence of glibenclamide (20 mg/kg, i.v.), an antagonist of K(ATP) channels, nicorandil did not inhibit the formation of gastric lesions. Nicorandil (10 mg/kg) given intraduodenally (i.d.), like cimetidine (50 mg/kg), significantly reduced the volume of the gastric content, total acidity and total acid output in the pylorus ligation model. Glibenclamide reversed the changes caused by i.d. nicorandil. I.v. infusion of nicorandil (20 microg/kg per min) significantly increased gastric mucosal blood flow, without affecting blood pressure and heart rate, but the increase in the blood flow was not observed after i.v. treatment with glibenclamide (20 mg/kg). These results indicate that nicorandil administered orally to rats produces the anti-ulcer effect by reducing the aggressive factors and by enhancing the defensive process in the mucosa through its K(ATP)-channel-opening property.     

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.