Effect of pentacaine and ranitidine on gastric mucus changes induced by cold-restraint stress in rats.

The potential involvement of increased mucus secretion in the antiulcer activity of a cytoprotective agent, pentacaine, and of the H2-antagonist ranitidine was studied in stressed rats. Cold-restraint stress decreased the gastric mucus content and induced haemorrhagic erosions in the stomach. Pretreatment with pentacaine and ranitidine dose-dependently diminished the extent of stress-induced gastric damage. Pentacaine prevented the depletion of mucus after stress, while ranitidine failed to affect it. In non-stressed rats only pentacaine was able to enhance mucus secretion. The stimulating effect of pentacaine on gastric mucus secretion may account for some of its antiulcer properties.