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

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.