Effect of amylin in various experimental models of gastric ulcer

Subcutaneous administration of amylin (20-40 mu g/kg) prevented, in a dose-dependent manner, reserpine-and serotonin-induced gastric damage, but the anti-ulcer effect was not present when lesions were induced by pylorus ligation. The protective effect of amylin was inhibited by pretreatment with capsaicin as well as CGRP-(8-37), a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and amylin receptor antagonist, and was significantly reduced by domperidone, a dopamine D-2 receptor antagonist, or neostigmine, an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. Our data suggest that the gastroprotective activity of amylin in some experimental models of gastric ulcers involves capsaicin-sensitive fibers and CGRP receptors. Moreover, the peptide interferes, at least in part, with the dopaminergic and parasympathetic systems. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.