Effect of diethyldithiocarbamate on gastric and duodenal mucosal blood flow and vascular permeability in rats.

Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), an inhibitor of superoxide dismutase, produced ulceration in the proximal duodenum of rats, and erosions or ulcers in the stomach. DDC given s. c. at 1.5 g/kg increased duodenal and gastric vascular permeability, and reduced blood flow. The decrease in gastric blood flow caused by DDC was attenuated by pretreatment with superoxide dismutase, and significantly inhibited by a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol. It is suggested that the superoxide and other radicals damage the mucosal vasculature, and play a role in the pathogenesis of gastric and duodenal mucosal lesions.