Gastric acid stimulating action of cysteamine in the rat

A Review on the Antimutagenic and Anticancer Effects of Cysteamine

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. First-line treatments usually include surgery, radiotherapy, and/or systemic therapy. These methods can be associated with serious adverse events and can be toxic to healthy cells. Despite the new advances in cancer therapies, there is still a continuous need for safe and effective therapeutic agents. Cysteamine is an aminothiol endogenously synthetized by human cells during the degradation of coenzyme-A. It has been safely used in humans for the treatment of several pathologies including cystinosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Cysteamine has been shown to be a potent antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and antimelanoma in various in vitro and in vivo studies, but a review on these aspects of cysteamine's use in medicine is lacking in the current literature. The efficacy of cysteamine has been shown in vitro and in vivo for the treatment of different types of cancer, such as gastrointestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer, sarcomas, hepatocellular carcinoma, and melanoma, leading to the significant reduction of lesions and/or the increase of survival time. Although the mechanisms of action are not fully understood, possible explanations are (i) free radical scavenging, (ii) alteration of the tumor cell proliferation by affecting nucleic acid and protein synthesis or inhibition of DNA synthesis, and (iii) hormone regulation. In conclusion, regarding the high safety profile of cysteamine and the current literature data presented in this article, cysteamine might be considered as an interesting molecule for the prevention and the treatment of cancer. Further clinical studies should be performed to support these data in humans.

Mitigation of Gastric Damage Using Cinnamomum cassia Extract: Network Pharmacological Analysis of Active Compounds and Protection Effects in Rats

Gastritis is a common disease worldwide that is caused by various causes such as eating habits, smoking, severe stress, and heavy drinking, as well as Helicobacter pylori infections and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Cinnamomum cassia is a tropical aromatic evergreen tree commonly used as a natural medicine in Asia and as a functional food ingredient. Studies have reported this species' anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and cardiovascular disease suppression effects. We evaluated the potential effects of C. cassia using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ethanol (EtOH), and ethanol/hydrochloric acid (HCl)-induced gastric mucosal injury models. C. cassia extracts reduced the area of gastric mucosa injury caused by indomethacin, NSAID, EtOH, and EtOH/HCl. We also applied a network pharmacology-based approach to identify the active compounds, potential targets, and pharmacological mechanisms of C. cassia against gastritis. Through a network pharmacology analysis, 10 key components were predicted as anti-gastritis effect-related compounds of C. cassia among 51 expected active compounds. The NF-κB signaling pathway, a widely known inflammatory response mechanism, comprised a major signaling pathway within the network pharmacology analysis. These results suggest that the anti-gastritis activities of C. cassia may be induced via the anti-inflammatory effects of key components, which suppress the inflammation-related genes and signaling pathways identified in this study.

Protective effects of a standardized extract (HemoHIM) using indomethacin- and ethanol/HCl-induced gastric mucosal injury models

Context: HemoHIM is a medicinal herbal preparation of Angelica gigas Nakai (Apiaceae), Cnidium officinale Makino (Umbelliferae), and Paeonia japonica Miyabe (Paeoniaceae) developed for immune regulation. HemoHIM has been investigated for its ability to enhance tissue self-renewal and stimulate immune systems. To date, studies on the protective effects of HemoHIM against gastritis and gastric ulcers have not been conducted. Objective: The protective effects of HemoHIM using models of indomethacin and ethanol/hydrochloric acid (EtOH/HCl)-induced gastric mucosal injury were investigated. Materials and methods: Rats were divided into five groups (n = 10): control, indomethacin, or EtOH/HCl groups, HemoHIM 250, 500 mg kg^-1, and cimetidine 100 mg kg^-1, respectively. Indomethacin (80 mg kg^-1) and 60% EtOH/150 mM HCl were administered orally 1 h after the administration of samples and rats were anesthetized 3 h after induction. The lesion area (%), inhibition ratio (%), and total acidity were investigated, and tissues were histopathologically analyzed using hematoxylin and-eosin (H&E) staining. Results: HemoHIM significantly reduced gastric injury in indomethacin-induced model (250 and 500 mg kg^-1; 64.30% and 67.75%, p < 0.001) compared to indomethacin group. In the EtOH/HCl-induced model, HemoHIM reduced gastric lesion (250 and 500 mg kg^-1; 61.05% and 73.37%, p < 0.001) and gastric acidity (250 and 500 mg kg^-1; 37.80 and 45.20 meq L^-1, p < 0.001) compared to EtOH/HCl group. H&E staining of the gastric mucosa showed decreased erosion and hemorrhage in HemoHIM group compared to EtOH/HCl group. Discussion and conclusions: Based on the results, HemoHIM is potential candidate for the treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcers.

Cysteamine: a human health dietary additive with potential to improve livestock growth rate and efficiency

Cysteamine is a biological compound produced in the gastrointestinal tract and hypothalamus of all animals that acts on the somatotrophic axis. Cysteamine is finding increasing application in human medicine and also as a natural, in-feed growth promotant for monogastric and ruminant livestock that increases feed conversion efficiency, growth rate and leanness. It improves nutrient digestion and absorption by increasing portal-drained viscera blood flow and net portal absorption, while also reducing gastroenteropancreatic, plasma and hypothalamus concentrations of the inhibitory hormone, somatostatin (SRIF). Dietary inclusion rates required to achieve growth responses are typically about 10 times higher in ruminants than those required for pigs, but it is unclear whether ruminal breakdown of cysteamine is contributing to this difference. While short-term stimulation of growth, milk production and improved feed use efficiency are apparent, studies over longer periods are required, especially in breeding animals, due to the process of SRIF depletion being reversible. This review provides an overview of cysteamine’s mode of action in improving nutrient utilisation and its application in human nutrition and health, as well as its potential use as a growth promotant in the livestock industries.

In Vivo Models Used for Evaluation of Potential Antigastroduodenal Ulcer Agents

Peptic ulcer is among the most serious gastrointestinal diseases in the world. Several orthodox drugs are employed for the treatment of the disease. Although these drugs are effective, they produce many adverse effects thus limiting their use. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in alternative therapies, especially those from plants due to their perceived relative lower side effects, ease of accessibility, and affordability. Plant medicines with ethnomedicinal use in peptic ulcer management need to be screened for their effectiveness and possible isolation of lead compounds. This requires use of appropriate animal models of various ulcers. The limited number of antiulcer models for drug development against gastric and duodenal ulcer studies has hindered the progress of targeted therapy in this field. It is, therefore, necessary to review the literature on experimental models used to screen agents with potential antigastroduodenal ulcer activity and explain their biochemical basis in order to facilitate their use in the development of new preventive and curative antiulcer drugs. Clinical trials can then be carried out on agents/drugs that show promise. In this paper, current in vivo animal models of ulcers and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying their induction, their limitations, as well as the challenges associated with their use have been discussed.

Esomeprazole therapy for gastric acid hypersecretion in children with cystinosis

Oral cysteamine therapy prevents natural disease progression in children with cystinosis, but it may cause severe gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms through gastric acid-hypersecretion. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of esomeprazole in controlling cysteamine-induced acid-hypersecretion and GI symptoms in children with cystinosis. Subjects underwent upper GI endoscopy and biopsy, serum gastrin and cysteamine measurements as well as acid secretion studies (basal, maximal and peak acid output, BAO, MAO, PAO) before and during esomeprazole therapy. A symptom score (maximum 14 points) was devised to monitor symptoms. Twelve children (mean age 5.8 years) were studied. Cysteamine ingestion resulted in mean MAO and PAO significantly higher than mean BAO, both before and during esomeprazole therapy. PAO was usually within 60 min of cysteamine ingestion. Esomeprazole therapy significantly reduced MAO (P<0.01) and PAO (P<0.01). The mean symptom score fell from 6.4 to 0.7 (P<0.0001) during esomeprazole therapy. The mean final dose of esomeprazole was 1.7 mg/kg per day (range 0.7 mg/kg per day to 2.75 mg/kg per day). Plasma cysteamine levels were not affected by acid-suppression therapy. One child had multi-nucleated parietal cells. Cysteamine-induced gastric acid-hypersecretion and GI symptoms are dramatically reduced with esomeprazole therapy. Esomeprazole does not alter cysteamine absorption and is very well tolerated in children.

Enhanced ghrelin secretion in rats with cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers

Ghrelin, produced and secreted by the A-like cells of the stomach, stimulates growth hormone secretion, gastric motility, and food intake. Cysteamine inhibits the release of somatostatin and induces the formation of duodenal ulcers in rats. The present study was conducted to investigate the dynamics of ghrelin secretion in rats treated with cysteamine. Male Wistar rats (7 wk old) were administered three doses of cysteamine (400 mg/kg) orally; at 50 h after the first dose, duodenal ulcers were induced, and the plasma level of somatostatin and gastric density of somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were significantly reduced. The plasma total and active ghrelin levels were significantly higher in the cysteamine-treated rats than in the control rats, whereas the gastric ghrelin levels, number of gastric ghrelin-immunoreactive cells, and preproghrelin mRNA expression levels were significantly lower. Even at the time points of 2 and 10 h after the first dose of cysteamine, at which time no significant ulcer formation or antral neutrophil accumulation was yet noted, a significant increase in the plasma ghrelin level and decrease in the gastric ghrelin level were observed. Furthermore, although lansoprazole treatment attenuated the duodenal ulceration induced by cysteamine, the increase in the plasma level of ghrelin could still be demonstrated. Because an inverse correlation was found between the plasma ghrelin and somatostatin levels, the inhibition of somatostatin secretion may be associated with the increased ghrelin secretion. In conclusion, an increase in the plasma ghrelin level precedes the formation of duodenal ulcers in rats treated with cysteamine.

The evaluation and treatment of gastrointestinal disease in children with cystinosis receiving cysteamine

OBJECTIVES

Cysteamine prevents organ damage in children with cystinosis, but may cause gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. In this study we evaluated the nature of GI disease, and the value of omeprazole in controlling GI symptoms in these children.

STUDY DESIGN

Upper GI disease was evaluated with endoscopy, gastrin levels, and acid secretion studies after oral administration of cysteamine, before and after 16 weeks of therapy with omeprazole. A symptom score was devised.

RESULTS

Eleven children (mean age, 5.7 years) were studied. After cysteamine ingestion, before and after omeprazole therapy, the mean maximum acid output was significantly higher than the mean basal acid output. The maximum acid output was measured within 60 minutes of cysteamine ingestion and was reduced by omeprazole therapy (P<.01). The mean peak gastrin level was 30 minutes postcysteamine and was higher than baseline (P<.01). The initial mean symptom score (maximum score, 14) was 6.9 and fell to 0.7 (P<.0001) after 16 weeks of omeprazole therapy. At endoscopy, two children had diffuse gastric nodularity, and nearly all had cystine crystal deposits.

CONCLUSIONS

GI symptoms in children with cystinosis receiving cysteamine are often acid-mediated and improve with omeprazole. Cystine crystals were detected in the GI tract and may signify inadequate treatment with cysteamine.

Effects of subtotal resection of the fundus on development of intestinal metaplasia induced by X-ray irradiation in Donryu rats

Eight-week-old male Crj:Donryu rats underwent subtotal resection of the fundus and X-ray irradiation. Six months later the animals were autopsied and examined for intestinal metaplasia. The numbers of alkaline phosphatase-positive foci with the two treatments in combination were significantly increased, compared to the operation alone and non-treatment groups. Histologically assessed intestinal metaplasia was also increased in the combined treatment group. In conclusion, subtotal resection of the fundus combined with X-ray irradiation is an effective induction protocol for intestinal metaplasia.

Evidence for a significant role of gastrin in cysteamine-induced hypersecretion of gastric acid

Cysteamine has been known to stimulate gastric acid secretion and to induce duodenal ulcers in rats. We investigated the role of gastrin in cysteamine-induced acid hypersecretion in the perfused rat stomach. Intravenous infusion of cysteamine (75 mg/kg/h) resulted in a significant increase in acid secretion, which was accompanied by a marked increase in the plasma gastrin concentration. The cysteamine-induced increase in gastric acid secretion was completely blocked by i.v. injection of anti-gastrin rabbit serum (500 microliters). In addition, i.v. infusion of a CCK-B/gastrin receptor antagonist (L-365,260) (1 mg/kg/h) also suppressed the cysteamine-induced increase in acid secretion. Atropine significantly, but only partially, inhibited the increase. The elevated plasma gastrin levels induced by cysteamine were unaffected by atropine and L-365,260. In conclusion, cysteamine-induced acid hypersecretion is mediated mainly by cysteamine-induced gastrin release and partially by cholinergic factors. Furthermore, gastrin release caused by cysteamine appears to be independent of cholinergic tone.

Effect of cysteamine on gastric nerve fibers containing gastrin-releasing peptide in the rat

In rats, changes in gastric nerve fibers containing gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) in cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer were investigated in relation to the dynamics of gastrin-producing cells (G-cells). Marked increases in gastric acid secretion and serum gastrin level were observed from 2 h after the administration of cysteamine. The number of G-cells was significantly decreased from 2 h after the injection of cysteamine. Two and 4 h after the administration of cysteamine, the G-cells showed ultrastructural changes characterized by a markedly decreased number of secretory granules. Circulating GRP levels were significantly elevated from 2 h after the administration of cysteamine. In the control group given vehicle only, nerve fibers showing immunoreaction for GRP formed a fine network in the gastric wall and were densely distributed in the oxyntic mucosa, located close to capillaries and demonstrated varicosities that contained either small clear vesicles or GRP-immunopositive vesicles with large cores. Eight h after the administration of cysteamine, there was depleted GRP immunoreactivity, evidenced by a markedly decreased number of vesicles, with large electron-dense cores, in the oxyntic mucosa. These findings suggest that, in cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer, alterations in gastric nerve fibers containing GRP may be related to hypergastrinemia.

Gastric and duodenal anti-ulcer activity of SKF 38393, a dopamine D1-receptor agonist in rats

The effect of SKF 38393 (1-phenyl-7,8-diol-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine), a specific dopamine D1-receptor agonist, was studied on pylorus-ligation and water immersion plus restraint stress-induced gastric ulcers, and cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in rats. Repeated administration of SKF 38393 (5 and 10 mg kg-1, p.o.) for six days was found to be effective in the prevention of gastric ulceration induced by water immersion plus restraint stress in rats. In 19-h pylorus-ligated rats, repeated treatment with SKF 38393 showed a significant reduction in the number and severity of ulcers. SKF 38393 did not alter the total gastric-mucosal carbohydrates:protein ratio; however, the gastric content volume and the free and total acidity were significantly reduced. In cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers, the treatment with SKF 38393 for 6 days prevented the duodenal lesions. Our data suggests the involvement of dopamine D1 receptors in the anti-ulcer activity of SKF 38393, which could be largely attributed to its anti-secretory effect. Its anti-ulcer activity against water immersion plus restraint, also points towards a central mode of action, but its failure to alter the carbohydrate:protein ratio rules out any protective effect through the strengthening of the gastric mucosal barrier.

4-Methoxyphenyl 4-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl)-1-piperazineacetate monofumarate monohydrate (KB-5492), a new anti-ulcer agent with a selective affinity for the sigma receptor, prevents cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in rats by a mechanism different from that of cimetidine

Both KB-5492, a new anti-ulcer agent, and cimetidine, administered orally at 25-200 mg/kg, dose-dependently prevented cysteamine (400 mg/kg, s.c.)-induced duodenal ulcers in rats with ED50 values of 63 and 40 mg/kg, respectively. Anti-ulcer doses of cimetidine, but not KB-5492, inhibited gastric acid hypersecretion induced by cysteamine (400 mg/kg, s.c.). In contrast, anti-ulcer doses of KB-5492, but not cimetidine, increased duodenal HCO3- secretion in normal anesthetized rats. These findings suggest that KB-5492 prevents cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers by stimulating duodenal HCO3- secretion, whereas cimetidine does so by inhibiting cysteamine-induced gastric acid hypersecretion.

Influence of gastric pH modifiers on development of intestinal metaplasia induced by X-irradiation in rats

The influence of gastric pH on intestinal metaplasia was examined in male Crj:CD(SD) rats. At the age of 5 weeks, animals were irradiated with two 10 Gy doses of X-rays to the gastric region at a 3-day interval (total 20 Gy), and 6 months after irradiation, received either secretin or histamine in silicon tubes for 2 months or had their bilateral submandibular salivary glands removed. The incidence of intestinal metaplasia in the fundus of animals after administration of secretin or histamine, or removal of the salivary glands were reduced, along with the pH values, as compared with values for rats given X-rays alone. In both the pyloric and the fundic gland mucosae, the numbers of alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-positive foci and type B metaplasias (intestinal crypts without Paneth cells) were also significantly decreased (P < 0.01). In a second experiment, started six months after irradiation, rats were kept on 1% sodium chloride (NaCl) diet for 6 months. Subsequent removal of salivary glands along with histamine treatment brought about a marked drop in pH and in numbers of ALP-positive foci after three and five days. The present results thus indicated that development and maintenance of intestinal metaplasia can be influenced by a decrease of pH value.

Effects of epidermal growth factor on alkaline secretion and mucus formation in rat duodenum exposed to luminal acid

The effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on alkaline secretion and mucus formation which serve as defenses against mucosal injury was investigated using a perfusion system of the proximal duodenum in rats in situ. In control rats, intravenous or intraduodenal administration of EGF (1 or 10 micrograms/kg/hr) had no effect on mucosal alkaline secretion at high (pH 2.5-3.0) or low (pH 3.0-5.5) luminal acidities. In cysteamine-treated rats (250 mg/kg weight, intramuscular injection), mucosal alkaline secretion by intravenous EGF (10 micrograms/kg/hr) increased significantly only at levels of high luminal acidity, whereas that by intraduodenal EGF (10 micrograms/kg/hr) increased greatly at both high and low luminal acidities. Analysis by a color image processor revealed that cysteamine greatly reduced the PAS-stained mucus in the duodenal mucosa and in Brunner's glands. Intraduodenal administration of EGF significantly increased the PAS-stained mucus in the duodenal mucosa, but not in Brunner's glands. These results indicate that EGF exerts the cytoprotective effect by stimulating alkaline secretion and mucus formation in the duodenal mucosa.

Contribution of gastrin to cysteamine-induced gastric acid secretion in rats

The role of circulating gastrin in cysteamine induced gastric acid secretion was examined in conscious male Wistar rats, provided with a portal vein catheter, a jugular vein catheter and a pyloric drainage tube. Intravenous infusion of 0.3 nmol/kg.30 min of gastrin 17-l resulted in serum gastrin concentrations of 1138 +/- 151 pg/ml and gastric acid secretion of 104 +/- 36 mumol H+/kg.30 min. This acid response was abolished by intravenous injection of 60 microliters of a gastrin-antiserum, indicating the efficacy of immunoneutralization with this antiserum in vivo. Intravenous bolus administration of 125 mg/kg of cysteamine induced increases in serum gastrin concentration (864 +/- 96 pg/ml) and gastric acid outputs (107 +/- 27 mumol H+/kg.30 min) not significantly different from the gastrin 17-l infusion experiments. Gastrin antiserum abolished cysteamine-induced gastric acid secretion, indicating that gastric acid secretion induced by 125 mg/kg of cysteamine is largely mediated by circulating gastrin in rats.

A new gastric juice peptide, BPC. An overview of the stomach-stress-organoprotection hypothesis and beneficial effects of BPC

The possibility that the stomach, affected by general stress, might initiate a counter-response has not until recently been considered in theories of stress. We suggest that the stomach, as the most sensitive part of the gastrointestinal tract and the largest neuroendocrine organ in the body, is crucial for the initiation of a full stress response against all noxious stress pathology. The end result would be a strong protection of all organs invaded by 'stress'. Consistent with this assumption, this coping response is best explained in terms of 'organoprotection'. Endogenous organoprotectors (eg prostaglandins, somatostatin, dopamine) are proposed as mediators. Such an endogenous counteraction could even be afforded by their suitable application. A new gastric juice peptide, M(r) 40,000, named BPC, was recently isolated. Herein, a 15 amino acid fragment (BPC 157), thought to be essential for its activity, has been fully characterized and investigated. As has been demonstrated for many organoprotective agents using different models of various tissue lesions, despite the poorly understood final mechanism, practically all organ systems appear to benefit from BPC activity. These effects have been achieved in many species using very low dosages (mostly microgram and ng/kg range) after ip, ig, and intramucosal (local) application. The effect was apparent already after one application. Long lasting activity was also demonstrated. BPC was highly effective when applied simultaneously with noxious agents or in already pathological, as well as chronical, conditions. Therefore, it seems that BPC treatment does not share any of the so far known limitations for 'conventional organoprotectors'. No influence on different basal parameters and no toxicity were observed. These findings provide a breakthrough in stress theory. BPC, as a possible endogenous free radical scavenger and organoprotection mediator, could be a useful prototype of a new class of drugs, organoprotective agents.

Putative role of endogenous insulin in cysteamine-induced hypersecretion of gastric acid in rats

The effects of cysteamine on gastric acid secretion and blood glucose levels were examined in rats. Cysteamine given subcutaneously in doses of 100-300 mg/kg, decreased the level of arterial blood glucose dose dependently, but had no effects on the level of the jugular venous blood glucose. Glucose uptake into the brain, as obtained by subtracting level of the jugular venous blood glucose from level of the arterial blood glucose, was significantly decreased by the administration of cysteamine. The uptake of [14C]2-deoxy-D-glucose into the brain was also decreased by the administration of cysteamine. Cysteamine dose dependently increased gastric acid secretion and induced ulcers in the gastroduodenum. The increased in acid secretion and the decrease of the value of glucose uptake into the brain had related time courses. Cysteamine significantly increased the level of serum insulin and induced hypoglycemia. These effects of cysteamine were completely blocked by pretreatment with streptozotocin. The hypersecretion of gastric acid and gastroduodenal ulcerations were also significantly inhibited by streptozotocin pretreatment. Infusion of glucose also inhibited the cysteamine-induced gastric acid secretion. These results suggest that cysteamine enhances the gastric acid secretion induced by the hypoglycemia and by the decrease in glucose uptake by the brain.

Role of accumulated gastric content in the pathogenesis of cysteamine- and mepirizole-induced duodenal ulcers in the rat

Subcutaneous administration of cysteamine and mepirizole (at ulcerogenic and non- or weakly ulcerogenic doses) to fasted rats induced villous damage to the duodenum within 4 h. Only the damage induced by ulcerogenic doses progressed to macroscopically visible ulcers 10-12 h later. A considerable increase in gastric content was observed for more than 6-8 h after administration of the ulcerogenic dose of agents, but normal contents were noted 12 h later. The intraduodenal pH remained low for up to 16-20 h when ulcerogenic doses were given, but returned to control levels within 8-12 h when non-ulcerogenic doses were given. Histamine similarly caused villous damage to the duodenum, yet there was no progression to an ulcer. Accumulation of gastric contents and a lower intraduodenal pH with histamine persisted for only 2 h and 1 h, respectively. We conclude that prolonged accumulation of gastric contents for up to 8 h together with a decreased lower intraduodenal pH for 16-20 h are necessary for the developmental progression of villous damage to well-defined ulcers in the presence of ulcerogens.

Cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer and the hepatoduodenal branch of the vagus nerve

We investigated the role of the autonomic nervous system in gastric acid secretion, somatostatin concentration and PAS-positive mucus production in Brunner's glands in cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer. Vagotomized rats were used. No ulcers occurred in the groups with vagotomies of the hepatoduodenal, truncal or gastric branches after cysteamine administration. However, in the hepatoduodenal branch vagotomized group, there was an increase in gastric acid secretion after cysteamine administration. A similar increase was observed in the control group, but the decreases in somatostatin concentration and PAS-positive mucus seen in the control group were not found in the hepatoduodenal vagotomized group. These results suggest that the hepatoduodenal branch of the vagus nerve might play an important role in the ulcerogenic process of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer.

Effect of an endogenous satiety substance, 2-buten-4-olide, on gastric acid secretion and experimental ulceration in rats

The involvement of a feeding-related endogenous sugar acid, 2-buten-4-olide (2-B4O) on central regulation of gastric acid secretion, and its antiulcer effects on several gastric and duodenal experimental ulcer models were investigated in rats. Spontaneous gastric acid secretion was not affected by 2-B4O at doses below 10 mg/kg. The peripheral secretagogue-stimulated gastric secretions were significantly increased by pretreatment with 2-B4O. Gastric acid secretion induced by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) was significantly suppressed by pretreatment with 2-B4O at doses between 0.1 and 100 mg/kg. Gastric and duodenal ulcerations induced by cold stress plus indomethacin, restraint and water immersion stress, pylorus ligation or cysteamine were also inhibited by pretreatment with 2-B4O. The results suggest that antiulcer effects of 2-B4O are due to suppression of gastric acid secretion via reduction of activity of the vagus nerve and gastric-related hypothalamic neurons. Thus, 2-B4O may be useful for treatment of gastroduodenal ulcer.

Tissue norepinephrine depletion as a mechanism for cysteamine inhibition of colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane in Wistar rats

The effects of cysteamine (2-aminoethanethiol hydrochloride) on the incidence, number and histology of colon tumors induced by azoxymethane (AOM), and on the norepinephrine concentration in the colon wall tissue and the labelling indices of colon mucosa and colon cancers were investigated in Wistar rats. Rats received 10 weekly injections of 7.4 mg/kg body weight of AOM and alternate-day subcutaneous injections of 25 mg/kg of cysteamine in 0.9% NaCl solution until the end of the experiment. At week 40, prolonged administration of cysteamine significantly reduced the incidence and number of colon tumors. Histologically, the adenocarcinomas that did develop in rats treated with cysteamine exhibited high mucin-producing activity. Administration of cysteamine caused significant decreases in the norepinephrine concentration in colon tissue and in the labelling indices of colon mucosa and cancers. Our findings indicate that cysteamine inhibits the development of colon tumors. This action may be related to its effect in decreasing norepinephrine concentration in the colon wall tissues and subsequently in decreasing proliferation of colon cancer cells.

Gizzard ulceration in chicks fed cysteamine alone or in combination with a histamine H2-receptor antagonist

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of cysteamine-HCl administration on gizzard ulceration and growth performance in broiler chicks. The effectiveness of the histamine H2-receptor antagonist, SKF 93479, in preventing gizzard ulcerations when given in combination with cysteamine-HCl was also examined. In the initial experiment cysteamine-HCl at the level of 2400 mg/kg of the diet caused severe gizzard ulceration and mortality and decreased feed intake and growth in chicks. The effect was not seen when cysteamine-HCl was administered at 600 or 1200 mg/kg of the diet. In Experiment 2 broiler chicks administered cysteamine-HCl at 1800 mg/kg of the diet had an increased incidence of gizzard ulceration and decreased growth performance. The severity of gizzard lesions and the depression of growth performance were not as great as in the group in Experiment 1 which received the 2400 mg/kg level of cysteamine-HCl. Addition of the H2 antagonist SKF 93479 at 54 mg/kg of the diet had no effect on improving gizzard ulcer score or growth performance in chicks which received cysteamine-HCl at the 1800 mg/kg of the diet level. From these data it appears that the administration of ulcerogenic levels of cysteamine-HCl in the chicken may involve a more complex pathogenesis in which factors other than acid hypersecretion are involved.

The effects of ranitidine and cysteamine on intestinal metaplasia induced by X-irradiation in rats

The influence of ranitidine and cysteamine on intestinal metaplasia was examined in 7-month-old male Crj: CD (SD) rats. At the age of 5 weeks, the animals were treated with 10 Gy doses of X-rays at 3-day intervals up to a total of 20 Gy in the gastric region, and 6 months after irradiation, the rats received either ranitidine (0.02% in diet) or cysteamine (0.1% in drinking water) for 2 months. The incidence and number of intestinal metaplasia with alkaline phosphatase-positive foci in rats given X-rays and cysteamine (group 4) were significantly low compared with those in rats given X-rays and ranitidine (group 3) (p less than 0.01). In both the pyloric and the fundic gland mucosae, the average numbers of type C metaplasia (intestinal crypts with Paneth cells) and total numbers of metaplastic foci in rats of group 3 were much higher than those in group 4 (P less than 0.05). The present results showed that the occurrence of intestinal metaplasia was significantly increased after administration of ranitidine and decreased by cysteamine.

Cysteamine-induced reduction in gastrointestinal somatostatin: evidence for a region-specific loss in immunoreactivity

Administration of cysteamine (beta-mercaptoethylamine; 2-aminoethanethiol) to rats has been shown to decrease the levels of somatostatin-like immunoreactivity (SLI) in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas but its mode of action is unclear. In the current study the effect of cysteamine on gastrointestinal and pancreatic SLI has been studied using two antisera with different regional specificities. In addition, the in vitro effect of cysteamine on SS-14 and SS-28 has been studied by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Characterization of the two antisera (AS 26.3.2 and AS 1001) with a range of analogs of SS-14 revealed that both were directed against the midportion of the molecule but that AS 1001 was also sensitive to changes at the N- and C-termini. Tissue extracts from cysteamine-treated rats measured with AS 26.3.2 showed no significant change for the stomach, jejunum or pancreas but duodenal levels were reduced. With AS 1001 SLI levels were reduced in all tissues. Gel permeation chromatography of stomach extracts measured with AS 1001 showed a reduction in both SS-14 and SS-28. With AS 26.3.2 an increase in SLI eluting prior to the SS-14 peak occurred explaining why no significant reduction in total SLI was detected. With duodenal extracts the elution profiles with AS 1001 reflected the large reduction in total SLI whereas with AS 26.3.2 a smaller reduction occurred. Both SS-14 and SS-28 were reduced. HPLC analysis of SS-14 and SS-28 following incubation with cysteamine in vitro showed a time-dependent decrease in both somatostatin species with absorbance at 280 nm was measured. New peptide peaks which developed were not all detectable by radioimmunoassay with either antibody. The results suggest that cysteamine causes a change in the structure of somatostatin which probably first involves a reduction of the disulphide bridge and then the N- and C-terminal regions of the molecule thus making it unmeasurable by antisera sensitive to changes in these regions.

Effect of cysteamine administration on growth and efficiency of food utilisation in chicks

1. Cysteamine hydrochloride, which is a potent inhibitor of somatostatin secretion, was fed to male broiler chicks at dietary inclusion rates of 0, 25, 125, 250, 600, 1200, 1800 and 2400 mg/kg during three separate experiments. 2. Weight gain, food intake and efficiency of food utilisation were measured weekly over a two (experiment 1 and 2) or three-week period (experiment 3) during which chicks were 3 to 10 d old (week 1) to 17 to 24 d old (week 3). 3. Cysteamine hydrochloride included in the food at 1200 and 1800 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase in efficiency of food utilisation, attributable to a significant decrease in food intake. 4. There was no difference in weight gains between chicks in the control group and those receiving 1200 mg/kg. However a significant decrease in weight gain was observed in chicks receiving 1800 mg/kg.

The effect of muscarinic and beta-adrenergic blockade on cysteamine-induced gastrin secretion by the isolated perfused rat stomach

Cysteamine-induced duodenal ulceration in rats is accompanied by increased circulating gastrin. Although cysteamine appears to exert a direct action on the gastrin cell some groups have provided evidence for an involvement of the autonomic nervous system. The current experiments were performed to determine whether beta-adrenergic or cholinergic (muscarinic) pathways are involved in the acute effect of cysteamine on gastrin secretion in the isolated perfused rat stomach. Cysteamine (1 mM) increased gastrin (IRG) secretion to a maximum ranging between 100% and 192% above basal. A cysteamine concentration of 5mM resulted in peak levels ranging between 150% and 1050% above basal. Addition of atropine or propranalol did not influence the responses obtained. The present results, therefore, do not support a role for either cholinergic or beta-adrenergic pathways in cysteamine-induced gastrin release at the level of the stomach and suggest that in vivo such autonomic effects are mediated extrinsically.

Potent CNS action of calcitonin to inhibit cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in rat

Intracisternal injection of calcitonin (0.01-5 micrograms) dose dependently prevented the development of duodenal ulcers induced by cysteamine in female rats. By contrast, intravenous infusion of the peptide at a dose 50 times higher than an effective intracisternal dose, had no effect. Intracisternal injection of calcitonin increased by three fold the generation of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, the stable hydrolysis product of PGI2, in the duodenal mucosa. These studies demonstrated that calcitonin acts within the brain to potently suppress duodenal ulcers induced by cysteamine. The mechanisms of the antiulcer effect may involve changes in prostaglandin generation along with alterations of gastrointestinal secretion and motility associated the central injection of calcitonin. Growing evidence suggests that salmon calcitonin may act as a neuromodulator or neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Specific binding sites have been demonstrated for calcitonin in the hypothalamus, brain stem and dorsal horn of the spinal cord using homogenate and membrane preparations or in vitro autoradiography methods. The peptide injected into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) produces a wide spectrum of biological effects including analgesia, hyperthermia, changes in pituitary hormone release, decrease in food and water intake, locomotor activity, and blood pressure. Numerous studies also demonstrated that calcitonin acts within the brain to markedly influence gastrointestinal secretory and motor function in rats and dogs and gastric ulceration in rats. In particular, intracisternal injection of salmon calcitonin was found very potent to selectively inhibit gastric ulcers elicited by stress, aspirin and central thyrotropin-releasing factor but not by necrotizing agents. In the present study, we further investigated the antiulcer effect of salmon calcitonin using the well established cysteamine experimental model to induce duodenal ulcers in rats. Part of this work has been reported in abstract form.

Role of local motility changes in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcers induced by cysteamine in rats

The possible role of local motility in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcers was investigated in rats using cysteamine. Duodenal motor activity was measured as intraluminal pressure recordings by means of a balloon positioned in the proximal duodenum. Subcutaneous administration of cysteamine (100 mg/kg) produced two linear bandlike lesions in the proximal duodenum within 6 hr. This dose of cysteamine significantly increased gastric acid secretion in acute fistula rats, and decreased duodenal HCO3- secretion caused by acid. During this period, this agent inhibited gastric motility but did produce markedly enhanced contractions in the duodenum. The changes in duodenal motility appeared within 5-10 min and were dose-dependent for cysteamine (10-100 mg/kg). Pretreatment with subcutaneously administered atropine (10 mg/kg), 16,16-dmPGE2 (30 micrograms/kg) or dopamine (10 or 30 mg/kg) significantly reduced the development of duodenal lesions caused by cysteamine, the inhibition being 86.8%, 49.7%, 54.5% or 67.8%, respectively. In the presence of cysteamine, dopamine had minimal effect on both acid and HCO3- secretion, while atropine or 16,16-dmPGE2 markedly inhibited acid secretion or increased HCO3- secretion, respectively. The enhanced duodenal motility induced by cysteamine was blocked partially by atropine and only slightly by 16,16-dmPGE2. Dopamine showed a dose-dependent inhibition on the duodenal hypermotility following cysteamine, and at 30 mg/kg almost completely abolished the development of contractions. These results suggest that abnormal hypermotility in the duodenum may be partly involved in the pathogenesis of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers.

Development and significance of cysteamine and propionitrile models of duodenal ulcer

Cysteamine is widely used in rodents to induce duodenal ulcer. Herein, the pathogenesis of duodenal ulceration in its earliest stages was reviewed using findings from cysteamine- and propionitrile-induced duodenal ulcer in rodent models, especially taking into account changes in the secretion of gastric acid, duodenal and pancreatic bicarbonate as well as gastroduodenal motility. The effect of cysteamine-HCl in inducing ulcers in rats is circadian rhythm-dependent. The effect is greatest from just before the end of diurnal rest to just after the start of nocturnal activity. The chronobiologic effect may be in part due to the circadian rhythm-dependent increased gastric acid production from cysteamine. Titratable acidity was found to be twice as great in the gastric juice of rodents when cysteamine was given by injection at 2000 (just after the start of nocturnal activity) in comparison to when given at 0800 or 1200 (at the beginning or middle span of daily rest). Further studies have shown that adrenalectomy of rats 7 days before cysteamine administration obliterated the observed circadian susceptibility to ulcer formation. Duodenal ulceration, at least in the cysteamine model, appears to be under chronobiologic neuroendocrine control or influence, seemingly mediated by the adrenal glands.

Mechanisms of mucosal injury in the stomach and duodenum: time-sequence analysis of morphologic, functional, biochemical and histochemical studies

This review is based on results from our laboratory and those published by others, and is focused on the early stages of pathogenesis that can be studied mostly in animals. Gastric mucosal injury is analysed on the examples of ethanol- and aspirin-induced lesions. Ethanol (50-100%) rapidly penetrates the mucosa, causes directly and/or indirectly (e.g., release of vasoactive products) endothelial damage in superficial and deep capillaries and venules. The vascular damage results in increased vascular permeability and decrease in blood flow leading to complete circulatory standstill in superficial capillaries 1-2 min after intragastric administration of concentrated ethanol. The direct chemical damage to surface mucosal epithelium is then followed by hypoxia and deep hemorrhagic necrosis in 1-5 min (erosion or ulcer). Unionized aspirin initiates a similar and complex yet slower progressing and less extensive erosion than alcohol. Duodenal erosion and ulcer produced by cysteamine, mepirizole or MPTP are preceded by excess acid in the proximal duodenum. This could be due to increased gastric acid output (1-4 hr), decreased bicarbonate secretion or duodenal dysmotility (0.5-8 hr) preventing the proper mix of acid and base in duodenal bulb. Necrosis and desquamation of absorptive cells in duodenal villi are evident 2-4 hr, followed by villus amputation (4-8 hr), erosion and ulcer (8-24 hr). The pathogenesis of gastroduodenal mucosal injury can thus be reconstructed from results obtained with animal models and from human studies. The results should serve as a basis to design protective drugs that are active on the basis of pathogenetic events.

Effects of indomethacin on the duodenal mucosa of rats: comparative study with cysteamine

Effects of indomethacin and cysteamine on the duodenal mucosa of rats were studied microscopically (using scanning electron microscopy) and also functionally. Indomethacin (5 mg/kg, s.c.) induced no microscopic damage to the duodenal epithelium for up to 6 hr after administration. Indomethacin had no effects on gastric H+ output and the amount of H+ in the duodenum, but did reduce the duodenal HCO3- secretion (both basal and 10 mM-HCl stimulated). PGE2 contents in the duodenal mucosa were markedly reduced by indomethacin for 6 hr. These results suggest that reductions of duodenal HCO3- secretion and endogenous prostaglandins per se do not impair the H+ disposal system of the duodenum and so do not damage the epithelial cells. In contrast, cysteamine (100 mg/kg, s.c.) produced microscopic damage to the duodenal epithelium as early as 2 hr later. Cysteamine significantly increased gastric H+ output and reduced duodenal HCO3- secretion, resulting in an increased amount of H+ in the duodenum 3 hr later. Cysteamine had no effect on PGE2 contents in the duodenum. The time lag between damage formation and functional changes suggests that the earliest damage caused by cysteamine occurs by mechanisms other than erosive action of H+ emptied by the stomach. The increased amount of H+ may contribute to an enhancement of the initial damage.

Gastric antisecretory, gastric and duodenal anti-ulcer and cytoprotective properties of Ro 22-6923, a synthetic trimethyl prostanoid in rats

Ro 22-6923, a synthetic trimethyl prostanoid, has been studied for its ability to inhibit gastric secretion and to protect the gastroduodenal mucosa against the injuries caused by pyloric ligation, hypothermic restraint stress, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), reserpine, dimaprit, cysteamine and the cytodestructing agents--80% ethanol, 0.6 M HCl, 0.2 M NaOH, 25% NaCl, aspirin 30 mg in 0.35 M HCl and 100 mM sodium taurocholate in 0.2 M HCl. The results of this study demonstrate that Ro 22-6923 has both prophylactic and curative effects on various experimental models. It produces a dose dependent inhibition of the gastric mucosal damage induced by pyloric ligation, hypothermic restraint stress, NSAIDs, reserpine, dimaprit and cytodestructing agents and that of duodenal ulcers induced by cysteamine. It also produces a dose dependent healing of the acetic acid induced chronic gastric ulcers. These observations suggest that Ro 22-6923 exerts its anti-ulcer effects by its antisecretory, gastric mucosal resistance increasing and cytoprotective activities and that it may be a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease in humans.

Antiulcer effect of (-)-cis-2,3-dihydro-3-(4-methylpiperazinylmethyl) -2-phenyl-1,5-benzothiazepin-4-(5H)-one hydrochloride (BTM-1086) in experimental animals

Effects of (-) cis-2,3-dihydro-3-(4-methylpiperazinylmethyl)-2-phenyl-1,5-benz othiazepin-4-(5H ) -one hydrochloride (BTM-1086) on various experimental gastric and duodenal ulcers were studied in rats. In the pylorus-ligated ulcer, restraint and water immersion stress ulcer, and drug-induced ulcer (indomethacin, aspirin, reserpine, serotonin, cysteamine), BTM-1086 prevented the development of ulcer at a dose of 0.1 to 1 mg/kg, p.o., but only weakly inhibited the histamine-induced gastric ulcer. The inhibitory activities of BTM-1086 were significantly higher than those of atropine sulfate. In the healing experiment with the acetic acid-induced stomach ulcer, BTM-1086 (1 mg/kg/day, p.o., X 14) showed a significant healing effect, which was higher than that of propantheline bromide. BTM-1086 at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg, i.d., remarkably inhibited the gastric secretion 6 hr after pylorus ligation. The aspirin-induced reductions of the total acid and K+ as well as the increments of the volume and Na+ in the gastric secretion were prevented dose-dependently by pretreatment with BTM-1086.

Effect of antisecretory agents and vagotomy on healing of "chronic" cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in rats

Penetrated cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in rats have a very prolonged course of healing. In this study, it was investigated how much the healing of these ulcers is accelerated by some treatments. The treatments included omeprazole, cimetidine, and truncal vagotomy. In addition, the effect of omeprazole and cimetidine on gastric acid secretion was investigated in chronic gastric fistula rats. After 25 days of treatment, significantly more rats in the treated groups had healed ulcers than in the control group. There was little further improvement up to 100 days of treatment, and the difference between treated and untreated groups decreased. The morphology of healing ulcers in treated and untreated rats was also compared. In controls, there was a simultaneous regeneration of mucosa and the submucosal Brunner's glands from the edges of the ulcer, the slow proliferation rate of the latter probably being decisive for the prolonged healing. In the treated rats, the mucosa first regenerated with formation of crypts and low villi and subsequently, the Brunner's glands were formed by proliferation from the bottom of the crypts.

A new model of duodenal ulcers induced in rats by indomethacin plus histamine

We standardized a new method for producing duodenal ulcers in rats by administering indomethacin plus histamine, and investigated the pathogenesis. Indomethacin (5 mg/kg) was first given subcutaneously to rats fasted for 24 h, and subsequently histamine dihydrochloride (40 mg/kg) was given subcutaneously three times, at 2.5-h intervals, beginning 30 min after injection of indomethacin. This combined treatment induced one or two round lesions (9.8 +/- 1.4 mm2) in the proximal duodenum at an incidence of 100%, and a few lesions in the corpus and antrum of the stomach as well. Indomethacin or histamine alone had no effect on either the duodenum or the stomach. The lesions in the duodenum and antrum were inhibited by oral cimetidine (3-100 mg/kg) and 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (dmPGE2) (3-30 micrograms/kg) in a dose-related manner, whereas those in the corpus were inhibited only by cimetidine. Indomethacin alone had no effect on gastric acid secretion, but did potentiate the increase of acid secretion caused by histamine. Histamine did not affect duodenal HCO3-secretion, whereas indomethacin slightly inhibited the basal HCO3-secretion and completely blocked the acid-stimulated HCO3-secretion. Intraduodenally administered cimetidine (30 mg/kg) or dmPGE2 (30 micrograms/kg) significantly inhibited acid secretion or increased HCO3-secretion, respectively, and both reduced the amount of acid emptied into the duodenum after treatment with indomethacin plus histamine. These results indicate that the development of duodenal lesions induced by indomethacin plus histamine in rats is due to both an increase in gastric acid secretion and an impairment of acid-induced duodenal HCO3-secretion. This newly established model will be useful for studying the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcers and for screening antiulcer agents.

Prevention of duodenal ulcer formation in the rat by dietary vitamin A supplementation

We have shown previously that supplemental vitamin A (Vit. A) increases the early inflammatory response to wounding and enhances the collagen content of the intestine of normal and injured rats. We now report the effect of dietary supplementation with Vit. A on the prevention of duodenal ulcer (DU) in rats caused by intragastric administration of cysteamine-HCl. A major way cysteamine-HCl induces DU formation is by enhancing gastric acid secretion. Adult male rats were divided into two groups: (1) rats fed a standard rat Chow (Purina) (15 IU Vit. A/g diet) containing two to three times the National Research Council recommended daily allowance for Vit. A for normal rats; (2) rats fed the same supplemented with 150 IU of Vit. A palmitate per/g Chow. One week later, all rats were given 1 ml of cysteamine-HCl (135 mg) intragastrically. The rats were maintained on their respective diets. Two days later, all rats were killed with ether, the stomach and duodenum excised, and examined for the presence of ulcers. No gastric ulcers were found in either group. There was a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of DUs in the Vit. A-supplemented group when compared to the control group (p less than 0.01) 48 hr following cysteamine-HCl administration; 32% of the Vit. A-supplemented rats developed a DU whereas 74% of rats fed standard Chow had DUs. Most rats had a single DU in the first part of the duodenum, occasionally a second ulcer was noted in the same area. Dietary supplementation with Vit. A had no effect on gastric acid production. In conclusion, our data show that Vit. A dietary supplementation is effective in preventing formation of DUs caused by cysteamine-HCl administration to rats. This effect does not appear to be due to reduction of gastric acid output.

Duodenal ulcerogens cysteamine and propionitrile induce gastroduodenal motility alterations in the rat

The effects of the duodenal ulcerogens cysteamine and propionitrile on gastroduodenal myoelectric activity and intraluminal pressure in the fasted rat as well as on contractility of isolated gut muscle strips were investigated. Duodenal ulcerogens, unlike the nonulcerogen but toxic analogue ethanolamine, caused an early disruption of the myoelectric migrating complex, a marked increase in the spiking activity, and a decrease in the frequency of the slow waves in the duodenum. Both the increased spiking activity and the decreased slow wave frequency were dose dependent for cysteamine. Manometrically recorded contractions at the stomach corpus, midantrum, and antropyloric region as well as in the proximal duodenum of the conscious rat showed decreased contractions at the corpus and midantrum and an increase at the pyloric and duodenal sites during an intravenous infusion of cysteamine. In vitro studies demonstrated that circularly or longitudinally cut muscle strips taken from different regions of the stomach and duodenum responded to cysteamine with increased contractility. In summary, the duodenal ulcerogens cysteamine and propionitrile rapidly induce motor abnormalities in the stomach and duodenum of the rat. In vitro studies suggest that a cholinergic mechanism may be involved. It is possible that motor changes play a role in the pathogenesis of the experimentally induced duodenal ulcers.

Biliary and pancreatic secretions influence experimental duodenal ulcer without affecting gastric secretion in the rat

The effect of the absence of biliary and/or pancreatic secretions in the duodenum or the enhanced presence of bile at the proximal duodenum on the incidence, severity, number, and location of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers was investigated in the rat. Cysteamine produced ulcers on the anterior wall of the duodenum in 75% and on the posterior wall ("kissing ulcers") in 50% of the animals. Diversion of biliary and/or pancreatic secretions from the duodenum increased both the severity and the incidence of the posterior duodenal ulcers. Diversion of bile to the proximal duodenum, on the other hand, decreased the severity as well as the incidence of the anterior duodenal ulcers. Mortality in rats receiving cysteamine correlated with the severity of ulcers. Taurocholic acid at nontoxic doses given subcutaneously or orally to nonoperated rats and rats which had bile diverted to the proximal duodenum aggravated the cysteamine-caused duodenal ulcers. Neither proximal nor distal diversion of bile had a major effect on gastric secretion of acid and pepsin in normal or cysteamine-treated rats. We conclude that both bile and pancreatic secretions may directly influence the development of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in the rat.

Healing of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in the rat

The mechanism and time for healing of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcers in rats were investigated. Cysteamine induces a mixture of erosions, ulcers, and penetrating ulcers. These three stages of ulcerations healed in different ways and in different times. Erosions healed within three days by formation of new mucosa from the epithelium of the remaining parts of the crypts of Lieberkühn. The mucosa became completely normal within 15 days. Ulcers healed primarily by a contraction of the circular layer of the external muscle coat, thereby approaching the ulcer edges and reestablishing a complete layer of Brunner's glands in the submucosa. Healing was complete within 15 days. Penetrated ulcers healed very slowly by formation of new epithelium and Brunner's glands from the ulcer edges. The newly formed epithelium was desquamated unless protected by underlying Brunner's glands and the regeneration of these therefore determined the healing of the ulcer. Only a few of these ulcers had healed after 50 days. After 100 and 150 days, approximately 50% had healed, and after 200 days still only 64% had healed. Thus the cysteamine ulcer with destroyed muscle coat has a very prolonged healing and thereby represents a model for a chronic duodenal ulcer which may be of value as a model for testing treatments of duodenal ulcers.

Prevention of stress-induced gastric ulcers by dopamine agonists in the rat

Dopamine (DA) and DA agonists have been shown to exert a protective role against the formation of duodenal ulcers. The effect of stimulation of DA receptors on the development of stress-induced gastric ulcers is currently unknown. Accordingly, we evaluated the effect of several DA agonists on the development of gastric ulcers induced by 3 h of cold + restraint stress (CRS) in rats. Apomorphine, d-amphetamine, methylphenidate, and threo-dl-p-hydroxymethylphenidate (an hydroxylated analog of methylphenidate), significantly reduced both the incidence and severity of CRS-induced gastric ulcers. The gastric cytoprotection afforded by these agents was dose-related, and completely antagonized by pretreatment with the peripherally acting DA antagonist domperidone. Because domperidone blocks peripheral, but not central, DA receptors, and since the entry of threo-dl-p-hydroxymethylphenidate across the blood-brain barrier into the brain is restricted to a great extent, we conclude that stimulation of peripheral DA receptors is primarily involved in the gastric cytoprotection induced by dopamimetics.

Effect of cimetidine and carbenoxolone on cysteamine-induced ulcers: a study of gastric mucosal histamine and histamine formation capacity in rat

Cysteamine-induced ulcers in rat were used to study the effect of ulcer-healing agents with different modes of action on ulcer formation and mucosal histamine. Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups. Group I had cysteamine injection; group II had cimetidine followed by cysteamine injection; group III had carbenoxolone before cysteamine injection; group IV had carbenoxolone as group III and cimetidine and cysteamine injections; group V had saline injections (controls). In group I 20/29; group II 17/30; group III 15/29; and group IV 23/30 developed ulcers. No significant differences were found. No ulcers were found in group V. Comparison between all groups and controls showed an increase in gastric mucosal histamine and HFC. The increase in histamine was related to ulcer formation. Duodenal and oesophageal histamine did not change significantly. Gastric mucosal histamine and HFC were directly correlated.

Contractile effects of cysteamine on the guinea-pig ileum

Cysteamine (beta-mercaptoethylamine HCl) (1.0-40.0 mM) induced a concentration-dependent increase in tonic and phasic contractions of segments of guinea-pig ileum in vitro. Myenteric plexus-longitudinal muscle (MPLM) preparations also responded with an increase in tonic contractions but phasic contractions were either greatly reduced or absent, indicating that these were a response of the circular muscle. Atropine (5 microM) inhibited the cysteamine-induced contractions, whereas hexamethonium and guanethidine had no effect, suggesting that cysteamine was acting at least partly via a cholinergic mechanism involving muscarinic receptors. Tetrodotoxin increased the phasic contractions of ileal segments, but had no effect on the tonic component. Treatment of MPLM preparations with morphine (1 microM) resulted in a small reduction in responsiveness to cysteamine, and blocked electrically-induced contractions by at least 90%. Since morphine acts by inhibiting acetylcholine release via hyperpolarization of intrinsic neurones, a small but significant part of the cysteamine-induced contractions probably resulted from stimulation of acetylcholine release from intrinsic neurones. Following a response to high cysteamine concentrations (greater than 15 mM) tissues were refractory to subsequent cysteamine administration. Cross-desensitization between cysteamine and acetylcholine also occurred, as short-term (1-3 min) incubation of MPLM preparations with high concentrations of either compound (1-10 microM acetylcholine or 20 mM cysteamine) resulted in a reduced responsiveness to both. A reduced sensitivity to acetylcholine or cysteamine was obtained following long-term (45 min) incubation with acetylcholine (1 microM). Removal of Na+ from the incubation medium negated this effect. In contrast, the refractoriness to acetylcholine or cysteamine following long-term (45 min) incubation with cysteamine (20 mM) was accentuated in low Na+ medium. It is suggested that cysteamine induces a contraction of both the circular and longitudinal muscle of the guinea-pig ileum by stimulating the release of acetylcholine from intrinsic neurones, by an action at the level of the smooth muscle muscarinic receptor, and possibly by a non-cholinergic mechanism. However, the mechanisms by which acetylcholine and cysteamine induce tissue refractoriness probably differ.