EFFECTS OF GABAERGIC DRUGS ON ETHANOL-INDUCED GASTRIC-LESIONS

Different classes of GABAergic drugs - baclofen, GABA, muscimol, Na-va lproate, Mg-valproate and diazepam - were tested per os on ethanol-ind uced gastric lesions in rats. The GABA(B) agonist baclofen failed to a ffect gastric susceptibility to ethanol damage, while all the other co mpounds exerted a dose-dependent inhibition on haemorragic-necrotic le sions. This effect was not significantly reversed by the specific GABA (A) antagonist bicuculline, suggesting it to be independent from GABA( A) receptors. The blockade of prostaglandin synthesis by indomethacin significantly decreased the gastroprotective action of GABA, Na- and M g-valproate. but did not antagonize the effect of muscimol and diazepa m. Gastric juice volume and pH showed remarkable differences between t he various treatments.