Gastroprotective effects of 1-Hydroxy-2-phenylbenzimidazole in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats

Abstract
Introduction: Benzimidazole compounds are known for their reduction of gastric secretion by inhibition of H+/K+-ATPase enzyme. Aim: The gastroprotective activity of the synthesized 1-hydroxy-2-phenylbenzimidazole (HPB) is examined on gastric lesions induced in rats by the oral ingestion of ethanol. Methods: Gastroprotective activity was evaluated by estimation of the numbers and cumulative lengths of glandular gastric ulcers induce by ethanol. The effect of pretreatment with HPB given alone and in combination with ranitidine on the number and length of gastric ulcers; and as well as on gastric volume and total gastric acidity were investigated. Results: Pre-treatment of rats with HPB at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg IP, significantly decreased the number and the length of ethanol induced gastric ulcers compared to control group. The highest curative ratio 53.89% and the most reduction of gastric acidity were obtained with the highest dose of HPB (50 mg/kg) in combination with ranitidine. Histopathological findings confirmed the protective effect of the HPB. Conclusion: The synthesized benzimidazole derivative (HPB) provided a gastroprotective effects on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats. This protective activity may be partly due to its ability to attenuate acid secretion.