Cytoprotective and antisecretory activity of a ranitidine-zinc complex

The effects of a ranitidine-zinc complex and ranitidine alone were compared in three different experimental models (pyloric ligation, ethanol and indomethacin) of gastric ulceration in the rat. In the pyloric ligation model, the ranitidine-zinc complex (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg p.o.) showed antiulcerogenic activity similar to that observed with equimolar doses of ranitidine (35, 70 and 105 mg/kg p.o.). Both the ranitidine-zinc complex and ranitidine significantly reduced (p < 0.05) gastric acid secretion in a dose-dependent manner. The protective effect of the ranitidine-zinc complex (100 and 150 mg/kg p.o.) against gastric damage developing after p.o. administration of absolute ethanol or indomethacin was enhanced (p < 0.05) with respect to that obtained with equimolar doses of ranitidine (70 and 105 mg/kg p.o.). The presence of zinc in the ranitidine-zinc complex does not interfere with the antisecretory effects of ranitidine on the gastric mucosa, while it confers an additional cytoprotective action to the final compound.