Effect of D-002 on gastric mucus composition in ethanol-induced ulcer

This study was designed to determine the effect of D-002, a natural product isolated and purified from beeswax (Apis mellifera), on gastric mucus comp osition on ethanol-induced ulcer in rats. The morphology of the lesions was analysed histologically, and morphometric analysis of gastric-gland conten t in total glycoprotein and sulphated macromolecules were done. Oral pretre atment with D-002 at 5 and 25 mg kg(-1) 1 before oral administration of eth anol at 60%, produced a significant increase in the amount of gastric mucus and total protein. The histomorphometric evaluation of the gastric damage at the same doses showed a significant increase in neutral glycoproteins an d sulfated macromolecules. It is concluded that enhancement of the quantity and quality of the mucus could partly explain the gastroprotective effect of D-002. (C) 2000 Academic Press.