EFFECT OF PIVAGABINE ON STRESS-INDUCED GASTRIC-ULCER FORMATION IN RATS

In this study the efficacy of pivagabine (4-[(2,2-dimethyl-1-oxopropyl )amino]butanoic acid, CAS 69542-93-4, Tonerg(R)) in preventing experim ental stress ulcer in animals was evaluated. Twenty Wistar rats were r andomly subdivided into 2 groups; one group received pivagabine (200 m g/kg orally) and the other tap water. The rats were immobilized in a c old room (2-4 degrees C) for 2h, and the number and extension of gastr ic ulcerative and hemorrhagic lesions were evaluated. Pivagabine deter mined a significant reduction In the number of animals with gastric le sions (5 vs. 10, p < 0.05), in the linear extension of ulcers (2.0 +/- 0.8 vs. 7.2 +/- 1.7 mm, percent protection 72.2, p < 0.05) and in the linear extension of hemorrhages (2.6 +/- 1.0 vs. 10.3 +/- 1.6 mm, per cent protection 74.8, p < 0.01). The protective effect of pivagabine o n experimental stress-induced ulcers is likely to he mediated by the i nhibition of corticotropin releasing factor release from hypothalamus, as also suggested by behavioral studies.