Comparison of protective effects of different pharmacologic agents on gastric ulcers induced experimentally in rats

Immobility and cold stress with mucosal ischemia, while decreasing gastric mucosal blood flow, stimulates lipid peroxidation by increasing free radical production, and through oxidation of multi-unsaturated fatty acid in cell membrane, acute ulcer associated with free radicals develops. In this study, the protective effects of selenium, gingko biloba, melatonin and vitamin E against acute ulcers induced experimentally by immobility and cold stress in rats were compared and examined histopathologically.In this study, a total of 6 groups were formed, each consisting of 7 Wistar albino rats: Control, Ulcer (physiological serum 0.5ml/kg), Selenium (sodium selenite 0.46mg/ml-0.5ml/kg), Gingko biloba (gingko biloba extract 300mg/kg), Melatonin (melatonin 60mg/kg) and vitamin E (vitamin E 60mg/kg). Immobilization and cold stress was performed on the groups on which single dose of the drug was applied; rats were sacrificed and their stomachs were taken for histopathologic evaluation.In the ulcer group; the loss of mucus and epithelium, foci of hemorrhage, cell infiltration, mucosal loss, segmental mucosal necrosis, edema and vascular expansion was determined with respect to the control group. In Selenium group; mucus was evident, the epithelium was preserved particularly, dilatation in glands and cavities was evident, edema and cell infiltration were detected. In Gingko biloba group; mucosal erosion, evidence of mucus, dilatation of glands, bleeding, cell infiltration and edema were observed. In Melatonin group; the loss of epithelium, dilatation in glands and cavities, cell infiltration, increase in mucus and continuation of dilatation of vessels were detected. In Vitamin E group, desquamation of epitelium and mild dilatation of glands were observed and the other findings were similar to those in the control group.All of the given drugs were effective in the prevention of gastric lesions induced by immobility and cold stress. Compared with the control group, microscopic findings were significantly different. The effect of melatonin was similar to vitamin E in the prevention of gastric lesions induced by stress. The most effective agent in the prevention of gastric lesions induced by stress was vitamin E.