[Celecoxib vs indomethacin and acute gastric lesions in rats]

Abstract

In 5 random groups of Wistar rats (n = 15 for each group), ulcerogenic doses of NSAIDs COX-1-COX-2 inhibitors such as indomethacin were compared with Celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor); the production of antrum gastric ulcers and bowel and colon necrotic areas was studied. Celecoxib was given each 12 hs orally and subcutaneously during 5 days and gastrointestinal lesions were not found; in contrast, Celecoxib given after indomethacin aggravated antrum gastric ulcers (p < 0.001); intestinal massive necrosis and death were observed in all the rats. We conclude that Celecoxib does not induce gastrointestinal lesions in healthy mucosa; in contrast, Celecoxib amplifies the gastrointestinal lesions induced by indomethacin.