The effect of calcium ions on the intensity of peroxidation processes and the severity of ethanol-induced injury to the rat's gastric mucosa

Abstract

The effects of verapamil (Isoptin Knoll) and calcium glubionate (Calcium Polfa) were studied on the generation of free radicals and activity of anti-oxidant enzymes in rat's gastric mucosa following the oral administration of 50% ethyl alcohol. Ethanol in this concentration caused injury to gastric mucosa as well increased the levels of peroxidation products (malonyl dialdehyde, hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes); at the same time a decreased enzyme activity was observed (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase). Verapamil administered before ethanol increased the ulcerogenic activity of alcohol, increased the activity of the studied antioxidant enzymes (except catalase) and caused the decrease in the levels of peroxidation products in gastric mucosa. Calcium glubionate increased the enzyme activity and showed some protective effect on gastric mucosa.