Effect of amitriptyline on histamine and bethanechol-stimulated gastric secretion in male rats

Amitriptyline, a tricyclic anti-depressant, was tested for its antimuscarinic and antihistaminic effects against bethanechol and histamine-stimulated gastric secretion in male rats. Daily intramuscular injection of Amitriptyline [5 mg/kg body weight] for two weeks proved to be effective only in inhibiting bethanechol-stimulated gastric secretion. Amitriptyline produced a significant reduction in both free and total acidity of the gastric juice, with significant increase in mucin content, but no change in its peptic activity. The role of Amitriptyline in blocking Bethanechol-stimulated gastric secretion may suggest that the ulcer healing is caused by its anticholinergic activity