The effect of neuroleptics on the development of gastric ulcers in rats exposed to restraint-cold stress.

Gastric ulcer development and changes in the contents of glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), and K and Ca ions in the blood were studied in rats subjected to a graded stress of immobilisation and cold. During stress the volume of secretion and the output of HCl, decreased although the concentration rose slightly. Chlorpromazine (CPZ), thioridazine (TRZ), spiroperidol (SPI), and fluphenazine (FLU) inhibited to various degrees ulcer formation during stress. SPI reduced stress-induced mucosal damages in 94%, but FLU even in doses 100 times smaller than those of the other drugs counteracted ulcer formation. CPZ, TRZ and SPI in preventive doses increased proportionally the blood glucose level both in control rats and in those subject to stress. FLU in effective doses produced no hyperglycemia either in control rats or in those exposed to stress. We conclude that the prevention of gastric ulcer development by neuroleptics may be the result of their antisecretory action and counteracting of breakdown of sympathetic activity during severe stress.