The effect of ethyl alcohol on peroxidation processes and activity of antioxidant enzymes in rat's gastric mucosa.

Abstract

The severity of damage to gastric mucosa and the levels of malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), hydroperoxides, conjugated dienes (C.D.) as well as the activity of catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7), glutathione peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.9) and superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1.) in rat's gastric mucosa were assessed 2 hours after the oral administration of 50% ethyl alcohol by means of a stainless steel tube. It was found that 50% ethanol administered per os caused numerous ulcerous changes in gastric mucosa, increased the levels of MDA, hydroperoxides, both isoenzymes of superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn SOD and Mn SOD), glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. The interpretation of the phenomenon was presented, emphasizing the protective role of antioxidant enzymes counteracting the formation of ulcers in gastric mucosa.