The protective effect of lercanidipine on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are among the aggressive factors causing gastric ulcer. They cause oxidative damage in the gastric tissue and lead to intracellular calcium deposition. Lercanidipine is a calcium channel blocker derived from the third generation dihydropyridine. The aim of this study is to analyse the effect of lercanidipine on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers. A total of 24 albino Wistar male rats were divided into four groups; those who received indomethacin 25 mg/kg (IND), 5 mg mg/kg lercanidipine +25 mg/kg indomethacin (LC-5), 10 mg/kg lercanidipine+25mg/kg indomethacin (LC-10) and healthy rats who received 0.5 mL distilled water. Six hours after the application of indomethacin, the animals were sacrificed by high dose thiopental sodium. The stomachs of the animals were excised to perform a macroscopic analysis and the ulcerous region was measured on millimeter paper. All the stomachs were subjected to a biochemical analysis. Macroscopic analysis revealed hyperaemia on the gastric surface of the indomethacin group. Ulcerous tissues formed by oval, circular or irregular mucosal defects in varying diameters and depths were observed on the whole surface of the stomach. Hyperaemia was lower and ulcerous region was smaller in groups LC-5 and LC-10 compared to IND group. Malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase levels were significantly lower and total glutathione and cyclooxygenase-1 activity were higher in groups LC-5 and LC-10. Lercanidipine did not change the cyclooxygenase-2 activity. Lercanidipine in doses 10 mg/kg is more effective compared to 5 mg/kg. Lercanidipinine can be useful in the treatment of NSAID-induced gastric damage. © 2020 by the authors.