Abstract
Background: Activation of Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) is one of the main mechanisms involved in the devel-opment of stress induced gastric ulcers.
Aim of the Study: This study aimed to examine the effect of inhibitors of RAS in protection against stress-induced gastric ulcers and the interplay between RAS and apelin/APJ system in gastric protection.
Material and Methods: Twenty-four adult male rats were divided into 4 groups: Control, Cold Restraint Stress (CRS), Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor + CRS and Angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT-1) blocker + CRS. Ulcer index, PH, acidity and mucin content of gastric fluid were measured. MDA, NO, PGE2, apelin level, COX-2 and Angi-otensin 1-7 gene expression assessment were done. Gastric tissues were assessed histopathologically.
Results: Pre-treatment of rats with either capoten or micardis for 14 days prior to CRS significantly reduced ulcer index, gastric acidity, MDA and COX-2 expression; while PH, gastric acidity, mucin content, NO, PGE2, gastric apelin level and Angiotensin 1-7 gene expression were significantly elevated.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest the integration between apelin/APJ system and RAS in protection against gastric ulceration.