Ulcer

This study is designed to investigate the cytoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Musa paradisiaca in combination with catecholamines on indomethacin-induced peptic ulcer. The pylorus ligation technique was used for cytoprotective and Anti-secretory action of the extract. Ulcerated control received distilled water, Group II - IV received 0.5 ml of the plant extract orally for 14 days. The rats were fasted for 48 hours after the end of the second week. 50mg/kg of adrenalin (Epinephrine) was administered to members of group II and 50mg/kg of dopamine was administered to members of group III. One hour later the animals were sacrificed, the stomachs were removed by laparastomy. The gastric lesions in the glandular region were assessed and measured to determine the ulcer index. Pylorus ligation in the group II, III and IV showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the ulcer index compared to group I. The ulcer index of Group I was 14.8±3.5 compared to Group II (8.2±1.4), Group III (4.8±1.7), and Group IV (3.0±1.1). The extract also showed 67.57% ulcer protection index against indomethacin. Results of the anti-secretory activity of the extract showed that treatment with M. paradisiaca resulted in a significant increase in gastric fluid after histamine stimulation when compared with the negative control as well as protect rats from ulceration after histamine administration. The results suggested that the methanolic extract of Musa paradisiaca possess cytoprotective effect against indomethacin-induced ulceration. This effect was however decreased when the extract is administered with catecholamines.

In the present study, the effects of pre-treatment with catecholamine on indomethacin-induced ulcer were studied. Rats were exposed to various treatments with epinephrine and dopamine 30 minutes before ulcer was induced using NSAID (indomethacin). Experimental ulceration was induced in fasted rats using Indomethacin (40mg/kg.p.o). Four hours later after indomethacin administration, the stomachs were opened under thiopentane anesthesia and the ulcer area scored by planimetry. Sections of the stomachs were prepared for histology and stained for apoptotic cell count. Acid secretion was also studied in the control and treated animals by pylorus ligation technique. Indomethacin treatment resulted in the formation of ulcer with ulcer index of 5.0±0.5 while the pre-treatment with catecholamine significantly reduced ulceration episodes (epinephrine: ulcer index=3.0±0.7, dopamine: ulcer index=2.0±0.7, p