Modulatory effect of L - arginine [nitric oxide precursor] on aspirin - induced changes in gastric mucosa and motility in rats.

ABSTRACT

In this study, L-arginine was administrated orally [p.o.] at a dosage of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg of body weight, acutely once and chronically daily throughout two weeks prior to ulcer induction. Gastric mucosal lesion was induced by single oral administration of aspirin 300 mg/kg body weight suspected in water, after 36 hours fasting. The rats were killed within 24-48 hours and the gastrointestinal tract was subjected to gastric motility study and examined for the evidence of gross or microscopic change. The obtained results indicated the relaxant effect of L-arginine on gastric fundus and its protective role against the aspirin-induced ulcers in the rat