Gastric cytoprotective activity of endogenous 5-HT

The role of endogenous serotinin in the formation of gastric damage was studied in rats. Stress ulcers were induced by ultrasounds, immobilization and immobilization plus cold. The damage of gastric mucosa was estimated (arbitrary scale) and serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) concentrations in this tissue measured. In all examined groups of animals with gastric mucosal damages the lower levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in gastric mucosa were observed. In some experimental groups animals were treated with serotonergic receptor antagonists 30 min. before stress. The administration of ICS 205-930 (80 micrograms/kg), 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, and DAU-62855 (80 micrograms/kg), 5-HT4/5-HT3 receptors antagonist, reduced the intensity of stress gastric injuries. In contrast the administration of methysergide (8 mg/kg), 5-HT1/5-HT2 receptors antagonist, enhanced the stress gastric mucosa damage. 16, 16 dimethyl PGE2 (10 micrograms/kg) protected stomach against stress stimuli and accompanied increase of serotonin and 5-HIAA concentration in gastric mucosa was observed. Both 5-HT3/5-HT4 receptor antagonist had an additive cytoprotective effect when given in combination with PGE2 analog. In the presence of methysergide gastroprotective effect of PGE2 was abolished. The present studies demonstrate that cytoprotective effect of endogenous serotonin depends on 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptors stimulation in the gastric mucosa and the protective effect of prostaglandins depends partly on the regulation of serotonin metabolism.