The antiulcer and antisecretory activity of WHR-1370A 1-n-butoxy-3-(2,6 dimethylphenylcarbamoyl) guanidine hydrochloride

Action of pentacaine on gastric acid secretion

The action of pentacaine, a new prospective antiulcer drug with gastric cytoprotective activity, on gastric acid secretion was analysed and compared with the action of other antisecretory drugs. The drugs were given orally or intraduodenally to Wistar rats after pylorus ligation. The gastric acid secretion was studied under basal or stimulated (histamine, pentagastrin, carbachol) conditions. Oral administration of pentacaine, oxethazaine and procaine, in contrast to atropine, had no influence either under basal or stimulated conditions. However, intraduodenal administration of pentacaine significantly suppressed both the basal and stimulated gastric secretion. The present study suggests that the mechanism of antisecretory activity of pentacaine differs from that of anticholinergic and antihistaminergic drugs.

Alpha-2 receptors in the gastrointestinal system: a new therapeutic approach

Alpha-2 receptor activation mediates the inhibition of a number of gastrointestinal functions including gastric and intestinal secretions. Alpha-2 receptors are located in the brain and presynaptically on cholinergic nerve terminals; activation of either inhibits vagus nerve activity. Intestinal secretions are inhibited by postsynaptic alpha-2 receptors located on intestinal epithelial cells. Agents which selectively activate alpha-2 receptors in the gut may therefore be beneficial in treating gastric ulcers and diarrheal states. Two such agents which activate alpha-2 receptors in the gut are WHR-1370A [1-n-butoxy-3-(2,6-dimethylphenylcarbamoyl) guanidine hydrochloride] and lidamidine. WHR-1370A is a potent gastric antisecretory and antiulcer agent which inhibits the release of acetylcholine from the vagus nerve. WHR-1370A's activity is blocked by yohimbine. Lidamidine is a clinically effective antidiarrheal agent. Lidamidine's response is partially inhibited by yohimbine in animal diarrheal models. Alpha-2 agonists represent a new class of drugs which have a promising future in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.