[Cytokine profile during experimental gastric and duodenal ulcers: the serotonin role]

We investigated the levels of proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines in experimental gastric and duodenal ulcers. Precedence shown an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-a level in the isolated simulation of gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers and preferential increase in cytokine IL-4 level in a prior administration of serotonin. The development of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is largely mediated by immunological reactions and the activation of the serotonergic system. Diversion of functional activity of the immune system plays a big role in the pathogenesis of ulcer disease, particularly T-helper lymphocytes and cytokines produced by them. The formation of the ulcer was accompanied by massive apoptosis of epithelial cells, development of vascular reactions--a plethora of vessels, edema and development of fibrinoid necrosis and infiltration of the mucosa by neutrophils, plasma cells and proliferation of fibroblasts. These processes significantly induced and regulated by cytokines, particularly interleukin IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-4, -6, -8, -12 [4-7]. The purpose of the study was to identify the role of serotonin in the development of immunological reactions during experimental gastric and duodenal ulcers.