Effects of oxytocin on emotional stress and stress-induced gastric lesions.
The effect of oxytocin has been studied in gastric lesions induced by cold-plus-restraint stress or by subcutaneous (sc) administration of cysteamine. Intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of the peptide was followed by a reduction of the incidence of gastric lesions in both experimental models. This effect was comparable to that found after icv injection of prolactin, a peptide which is known to facilitate adaptation to stress and reduce the incidence of stress-induced gastric lesions. These results may be relevant in focusing on the general role of oxytocin as a protective factor against stress-induced biological modifications.
Grassi
M
M
Institute of Pharmacology, University of Catania Medical School, Italy.
Drago
F
F
D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*
D010121:Oxytocin