THE ROLE OF THE NEUROTRANSMITTERS ACETYLCHOLINE AND NORADRENALINE IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF STRESS-ULCERS

1. Adrenergic and cholinergic mechanisms seem to be involved in the pa thogenesis of stress ulcers. 2. In this study, gastric ulcers were ind uced in rats by immobilization and cold. Prior intraperitoneal adminis tration of both anticholinergic (atropine) as well as alpha-blocking m edication (phenoxybenzamine) produced a very significant decrease in s tress ulcers. 3. Additionally, using the technique of continuous intra venous perfusion in rats, acetylcholine was shown to have a gastric ul cerogenic effect, in contrast to noradrenaline. 4. It is concluded tha t acetylcholine is the peripheral mediator in stress ulcers, while nor adrenaline intervenes at the encephalic level in stress ulcer pathogen esis.