Effects of 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid, an inhibitor of Cl(-)-HCO3- exchanger, on stress-induced gastric lesions in rats.

The effect of 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), an inhibitor of Cl(-)-HCO3- exchanger, on stress-induced gastric lesions was studied in rats. The stress exposure to rats was performed by restraint plus water-immersion (22 degrees C) for 6 h. Oral administration of DIDS produced a dose-dependent reduction in the gastric lesion formation. The ED50 value for DIDS was 94.4 mg/kg (64.2 - 138.8 mg/kg; 95% confidence limits) and the maximum effect was observed at the dose of 300 mg/kg with an inhibition of 95%. A dose-dependent reduction in lesions was also observed after administration of omeprazole, an inhibitor of proton pump. The ED50 value for omeprazole was 3.1 mg/kg (1.8 - 5.4 mg/kg; 95% confidence limits) and the effect was maximum at 16 mg/kg with an inhibition of 92%. These results indicated that DIDS protected the gastric mucosa against stress-induced lesions. It is speculated that the antiulcerous activity of DIDS may give a clue for the development of a new class of therapeutic drugs for the prevention and healing of gastric ulcers.