Polyamine inhibition of gastric ulceration and secretion in rats.

The effect of polyamines on gastric ulceration and secretion in rats was studied. Stress-induced gastric ulceration and ulceration in pylorus-ligated rats were inhibited by subcutaneous or oral administration of spermine; spermidine's inhibitory effect was somewhat less. Histamine-induced ulceration was also inhibited by the subcutaneous injection of spermine. In addition, the daily oral administration of spermine for 10 days was therapeutic against an acetic acid-induced ulcer (chronic ulcer). Gastric secretion in pylorus-ligated rats and in rats with fistulae and stimulated by histamine injection was decreased by the subcutaneous injection of spermine.