Rapid Communication
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Nov 28, 2006; 12(44): 7168-7171
Published online Nov 28, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i44.7168
Protective effects of amphetamine on gastric ulcerations induced by indomethacin in rats
Vlaicu Sandor, Barbu Cuparencu, Dan L Dumitrascu, Mircea A Birt, Tibor L Krausz
Vlaicu Sandor, Tibor L Krausz, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Barbu Cuparencu, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oradea, Romania
Dan L Dumitrascu, 3rd Medical Clinic, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Mircea A Birt, Department of Psychiatry, Psychology and Educational Sciences Faculty, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca; Clinical Hospital, Psychiatry-Ergotherapy Section, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Correspondence to: Professor Dan L Dumitrascu, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Hatieganu, Cluj-Napoca, str Emil Isac 13, RO 400132, Romania. dumitras@cluj.astral.ro
Telephone: +40-722-756475 Fax: +40-264-433427
Received: August 22, 2006
Revised: August 28, 2006
Accepted: October 10, 2006
Published online: November 28, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To study the effects of amphetamine, an indirect-acting adrenomimetic compound on the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcerations in rats.

METHODS: Male Wistar-Bratislava rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 (control), received an ulcerogenic dose of indomethacin (50 μmol/kg) and Groups 2, 3 and 4, treated with amphetamine (10, 25 and 50 μmol/kg). The drug was administered simultaneously with indomethacin and once again 4 h later. The animals were sacrificed 8 h after indomethacin treatment. The stomachs were opened and the incidence, the number of lesions and their severity were evaluated. The results were expressed as percentage and as mean ± standard error (mean ± SE).

RESULTS: The incidence of ulceration in the control group was 100%. Amphetamine, at doses of 10, 25 and 50 μmol/kg, lowered the incidence to 88.89%, 77.78% and 37.5% respectively. The protection ratio was positive: 24.14%, 55.17% and 80.6% respectively. The total number of ulcerations/rat was 12.44 ± 3.69 in the control group. It decreased to 7.33 ± 1.89, 5.33 ± 2.38 and 2.25 ± 1.97 under the effects of the above-mentioned doses of amphetamine.

CONCLUSION: Amphetamine affords a significant dose-dependent protection against the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcerations in rats. It is suggested that the adrenergic system is involved in the gastric mucosa protection.

Keywords: Amphetamine; Gastric ulceration; Indomethacin; Rats