Effect of Tamoxifen on Ethanol Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Background: Tamoxifen is selective estrogen receptor modulators, used in treatment of breast cancer, some literatures reported its impact on the process of peroxidation. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tamoxifen on ethanol induced gastric ulcer in rats. Method: Gastric ulcers were induced in Wistar albino rats by oral administration of absolute alcohol (1 ml/200 g). Antiulcer activity of tamoxifen (0.5 and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) was observed and compared to standard drug (omeprazole 20mg/kg, p.o.), the ulcer index, ulcers numbers, lengths, gastric volume and total gastric acidity were evaluated. Histopathology is performed for confirmation. Results: Tamoxifen in 10mg/kg dose produced a highly significant (P<0.001) decrease in ulcer parameters studied compared to ulcer control. While 0.5 mg/kg of tamoxifen produced a less significant (P<0.01) effect on gastric volume when compared to the ulcer group. The anti-ulcer effects of the drug of interest is highly compared to omeprazole was very, surprisingly; the higher dose of tamoxifen produced even a much significant reduction in gastric volume and ulcers length compered to standard drug. Conclusion: Tamoxifen shows significant antiulcer activity against ethanol induced gastric ulcers, and this could possibly related to its antioxidant properties.