Gastric Antral Ulcer Produced by Diethyldithiocarbamate in Rats

Abstract

A subcutaneous dose of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) combined with a topical application of hydrochloric acid produced deep ulcers in the lesser curvature of the antrum in pylorus-ligated rats. The ulcers penetrated the tunica muscularis and formed an ulcer with an incidence of 100%. A significant decrease in Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and a significant increase in the level of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactants in the antral mucosa occurred prior to the ulcer formation. Treatment with SOD and allopurinol significantly inhibited antral ulceration. These results suggest that superoxide radicals are involved in the pathogenesis of the ulcer and that this ulcer model is useful for studying gastric ulcer etiology.