Calcium ion influx seems to play an essential role in the stimulation secretion coupling in mammalian oxyntic cells, an effect that can be inhibited by the calcium channel blockers. The present study aims to evaluate gastric anti-secretory and anti-ulcer effects of new calcium channel blocker lomerizine and its interaction with H2 blocker and proton pump inhibitor in rats. Gastric ulcers were induced in albino rats by pyloric ligation and cold restraint stress methods. Effects of two different doses of lomerizine, ranitidine and omeprazole on volume, pH, acidity of gastric secretion, ulcer index, mucus content were observed. In addition, the effects of low dose of lomerizine in combination with ranitidine or omeprazole on the above parameters were studied. Lomerizine (5 mg/kg, p.o), ranitidine (150 mg/kg, p.o) and omeprazole (20 mg/kg, p.o) produced significant antiulcer effects. Doses of lomerizine (20 mg/kg, p.o) did not alter the above parameters significantly. Combined administration of low dose of lomerizine (5 mg/kg) and ranitidine (150 mg/kg) showed significant antiulcer effects, which were apparent from the reduction in volume of gastric acid secretion, acidity and ulcer index with simultaneous increase in the intragastric pH and mucus content. Similarly, dose of omeprazole (20 mg/kg) when combined with low dose of lomerizine (5 mg/kg) also showed significant antiulcer effects. It is suggested that the patients who received lomerizine therapy for some other clinical conditions are less prone to develop peptic ulcers; and even if ulcers develop, they would require lower doses of antiulcer agents like ranitidine and omeprazole.
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