Stimulatory effect of some therapeutic drugs used for improving cerebral insufficiency on gastric acid secretion in rats.

Baclofen, gamma-amino-beta-hydroxybutyric acid (GABOB), calcium hopantenate (HOPA) and citicoline, which are clinically used for improving cerebral insufficiency, were tested for their effects on gastric acid secretion in the perfused stomach of urethane-anesthetized rats. These drugs were administered intravenously or subcutaneously. They produced a significant increase in gastric acid secretion, although the extents in increase were different. The duration of action was 1-2 h. The potency order was baclofen greater than GABOB greater than or equal to citicoline greater than or equal to HOPA. The stimulatory response to each drug was completely inhibited by atropine. In contrast, the peripheral secretory activity of each drug was not demonstrated in the isolated lumen-perfused stomach of mice. These results indicate that all the tested drugs produce an increase in gastric acid secretion probably via central cholinergic activation and that gastric acid stimulation by compounds improving the cerebral insufficiency might be included in side effects in their clinical use.