Investigation on the mechanism involved in the effects of agmatine on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

Utkan T., Ulak G., Yildiran H. G., Yardimoglu M., Gacar M. N.

LIFE SCIENCES, vol.66, pp.1705-1711, 2000 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 66
  • Publication Date: 2000
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/s0024-3205(00)00493-8
  • Journal Name: LIFE SCIENCES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1705-1711
  • Kocaeli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Effects of agmatine, an endogenous metabolite formed by decarboxylation of L-arginine, on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury were investigated in rats. Agmatine at 1 and 10 mg/kg i.p doses significantly increased ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury. This effect of agmatine was abolished completely by pretreatment with idazoxan, an imidazoline receptor-antagonist and alpha(2) receptor- antagonist, (0.5 mg/kg i.p), partly by yohimbine, an alpha(2) receptor- antagonist, (1 mg/kg i.p) but not by L-arginine, a precursor of nitric oxide, (500 mg/kg i.p). Our results suggest that agmatine had a potent ulcerogenic effect mediated, at least in part, by both alpha(2)-adrenoceptors and imidazoline receptors.