Effect of furazolidone on gut catecholamine in cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer in the rat.

The effect of furazolidone, a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, on cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer and gut catecholamines was studied in rats, since previous reports have suggested protective effects of MAO inhibitors against other forms of experimental mucosal injury. Furazolidone (100 mg kg-1, orally) pretreatment significantly reduced the frequency and severity of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer. By means of a spectrofluorometric technique, gastric and duodenal norepinephrine concentrations and duodenal dopamine concentrations were measured and found to be increased in animals treated with the MAO inhibitor. It is concluded that the protective effect of furazolidone against cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer may in part be related to modulation of gut norepinephrine and dopamine concentrations.