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Possible role of oxygen free radicals in ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats

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Abstract

The involvement of oxygen free radicals in the development of the ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage has been investigated. We found that oral administration of superoxide dismutase reduced the incidence of ethanol-induced mucosal lesions. Reduction of superoxide dismutase activity by diethyldithiocarbamate led to a pronounced aggravation of mucosal damage. Inhibition of the chloride-bicarbonate channel by a stilbene derivative also aggravated the ethanol-induced hemorrhagic lesions. Neither glutathione peroxidase, catalase, nor ceruloplasmin were capable of inhibiting the development of mucosal damage. Compounds with scavenging properties such as thiourea, 1-phenyl-3-(2-thiazolyl)-2-thiourea, dimethyl sulfoxide, various inorganic compounds (elements of the first and second subgroups and of the sixth group of the periodic table) and sulfhydrylcontaining substances protected the gastric mucosa against ethanol-induced injury in a dose-related manner. Naturally occurring antioxidants such as α-tocopherol, β-carotene, and coenzyme Q10 were ineffective. The present results suggest that superoxide free radicals are involved in the development of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions, probably via an interaction with cellular membranes.

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Szelenyi, I., Brune, K. Possible role of oxygen free radicals in ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats. Digest Dis Sci 33, 865–871 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01550977

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