Protective effects of amphetamine on gastric ulcerations induced by indomethacin in rats

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 micromol/kg) and Groups 2, 3 and 4, treated with amphetamine (10, 25 and 50 micromol/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 micromol/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.