Monoamine oxidase B inhibition reduces gastric mucosal blood flow, basal acid secretion, and cold water restraint-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats.

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) by selective inhibitors pargyline and L-deprenyl increases dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) concentrations in nucleus accumbens (NACB) and is associated with reduction in cold water restraint-induced gastric mucosal injury, inhibition of basal gastric acid output, and regional gastric mucosal blood flow. Similar effects were not observed with administration of MAO A inhibitors. These observations suggest that activation of central dopamine and norepinephrine receptors, particularly in NACB, are involved in the control of gastric mucosal function.