Analysis of α2-adrenoceptor subtypes involved in the regulation of gastroprotection and gastric motility in mice

Introduction:α2-Adrenoceptors (α2-AR) regulate several gastrointestinal functions. In the last decades three α2-AR subtypes have been identified. The present study aimed to characterize, which α2-AR subtypes mediate the effects of α2-agonists on the gastric motility and mucosal defense in mice. Experiments were carried out with different subtype selective agonists and antagonists, and, on the other hand, with genetically engineered mice. Methods: NMRI mice and C57/BL6 mice with a deletion of the α2-AR subtypes (KO-mice) were used. 1. The gastroprotective effect of the α2-agonists was investigated on the ethanol…