Effect of fish oil on indometacin-induced gastric lesions in rats.

The effect of fish oil in promoting the healing of indomethacin-induced gastric lesions was investigated in Wistar albino rats. After indomethacin treatment (30 mg/kg, s.c.), animals were given fish oil, olive oil, or normal diet for 48 h. The ulcer index was found to be decreased to 2.1 +/- 1.8 mm with fish oil, 13.7 +/1 5.4 mm with olive oil, and 14.6 +/- 2.4 mm with normal diet. Fish oil showed a potent healing-promoting effect on acute gastric erosions and ulcers induced by indomethacin and significantly enhanced the mucus content of the mucosa (p < 0.05).