gastric mucosal protective effects of pentoxifylline in the rat

ABSTRACT

The effects of pentoxifylline [PTX], a non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor were examined in rat models of gastric mucosal injury. Gastric mucosal damage was evoked in pylorus-ligated rats by subcutaneous [s.c.] administration of 20 mg/kg indomethacin together with oral administration of 2m 0.15 N HCI, by oral administration of acidified acetylsalicylic acid [200 mg/kg in 2 ml 0.15 N HCI] or by oral administration of l ml of 50% ethanol. The results showed that PTX [36 or 72 mg/kg, i. p.] given prior to indomethacin, acidified acetylsalicylic acid or 50% ethanol prevented the development of gastric mucosal damage by the ulcerogenic agents in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, PTX [36 or 72 mg/kg, i. p.] given to pylorus-ligated rats decreased gastric acid secretion. It is concluded that, PTX, when given at doses comparable to those used in man for treatment of circulatory disorders displayed anti-ulcerogenic activity in the rat in vivo