Effect of platelet-derived growth factor-BB on indomethacin-induced gastric lesions in rats

The effect of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) was evaluated in rats with indomethacin-induced gastric lesions. Animals were treated with either saline solution or several doses of PDGF-BB given orally. Rats treated with 0.1 nmol/kg PDGF-BB showed a statistically significant reduction of gastric damage. Higher doses did not produce any further reduction of gastric damage, and a return toward control values was observed. The effect on lesions was independent of inhibition of gastric acid secretion, since a dose of 0.1 nmol/kg of this growth factor failed to modify gastric acid secretion stimulated by pylorus ligation.