Induction of rat gastric damage by the endothelium‐derived peptide, endothelin

Abstract

The effect of the endogenous vasoconstrictor peptide, endothelin, on gastric mucosal integrity has been investigated in the rat. Local intra-arterial infusion of endothelin, in picomole doses, dose-dependently induced haemorrhagic and necrotic damage in the gastric mucosa. Such injury was not prevented by atropine, cimetidine, adrenoceptor antagonists, indomethacin, or the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor BW A4C. These results suggest a potential pro-ulcerogenic role of endothelin in the pathogenesis of gastric damage and ulceration.