[The etiopathogenesis of the acute stress ulcer. The role of oxygen free radicals].

We evaluated the role of oxygen free radicals in the induction of acute stress gastric ulcer in rats. After 12 hr of immobility, ulcers of up to 4 mm were observed in the gastric mucosa. Pretreatment with allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, produced a significant reduction in the number and size of lesions (p < 0.0001). No protection was afforded by aluminum hydroxide or ranitidine alone, but enhanced protection was observed when given in association to allopurinol. A secondary role for H ions is suggested by these findings. Our results support the hypothesis of a role of oxygen free radicals in the pathogenesis of stress gastric ulcers. Allopurinol might be used in conditions predisposing to stress in patients.