CAFFEINE-INDUCED ULCEROGENESIS IN THE RAT

Abstract

The present investigation has demonstrated that administration of caffeine alkaloid (6.25 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) by stomach tube induces acute gastric ulcers in the fundus, pylorus, and antrum of fasting male and female rats. The ulcers are histologically characterized as superficial erosions of the glandular mucosa. Statistical evaluation of ulcer indices indicated a linear, log dose–response relationship for caffeine alkaloid, and a similar ulcerogenic effect in both male and female rats.