CISPLATIN-INDUCED PEPTIC-ULCERS, VAGOTOMY, ADRENAL AND CALCIUM MODULATION

Cytochemical and autoradiographic studies in Wistar rats [Crl:(WI)BR] show that cisplatin treatment (9 mg/kg) inhibits the release of acetyl choline from the axonal endings of the stomach smooth muscle resulting in bloating of the stomach and ulceration. Cisplatin also induces cor ticosteroid release from the adrenal gland stimulating peptic ulcerati on. Vagotomy helps ameliorate the effect but not eliminate it. Calcium supplementation restores normal neuromuscular function to gastric smo oth muscle, thereby eliminating the gastro-intestinal toxicity due to cisplatin.