Central and peripheral mechanisms involved in the agmatine-induced gastroprotection in the rat

Introduction: In 1994 the biosynthesis of agmatine in mammalian brain has been reported. Agmatine was described as an endogenous ligand of the imidazoline binding sites, however, several data indicates that it can also interact with numerous other receptors, like α2-adrenoceptors, NMDA- or serotonin 5-HT3 receptors. It is widely distributed in the CNS and exerts several central (e.g. antidepressant or anxiolytic) effects. Moreover, agmatine and imidazoline receptors have also been identified in the gastrointestinal tract. Aims: We analysed the effect of centrally injected agmatine on gastric mucosal injury induc…