Role of central nitric oxide in gastroprotection

Introduction: Our previous findings showed that intracerebroventricular (icv.) or intracisternal (ic.) administration of opioids elicits gastric mucosal protection in different ulcer models. The site of action was supposed to be the dorsal vagal complex where both opioid mu and delta receptors are located. Aim: To analyse which mechanism may mediate the centrally originated gastroprotective effect of opioids. Methods: The mucosal lesion was induced by oral administration of ethanol. The degree of mucosal damage was determined 1 hour later macroscopically. The drugs were injected either icv. or ic. 10min before t…