Comparison of Indomethacin, Diclofenac and Aspirin-Induced Gastric Damage according to Age in Rats

Background/Aims: Aging gastric mucosa is known to have decreased mucosal defenses and increased susceptibility to injury by nonsteroidal anti-infl ammatory drugs. Depending on the type of nonsteroidal anti-infl ammatory drug (NSAID), the underlying mechanisms and the extent of damage to the stomach or intestine may differ. This study was performed to evaluate the acute gastric damage caused by different doses of indomethacin, diclofenac and aspirin in rats of various ages. Methods: For the acute models, indomethacin (10, 20 or 40 mg/kg), diclofenac (40 or 80 mg/kg) or aspirin (100 mg/kg) was given to 7- and 25-week-old and 1-year-old Sprague-Dawley rats by intragastric gavage. The gross ulcer index, damage area as assessed by imaging, histological index, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) levels were measured after 24 hours. Results: The gross ulcer index and damage area increased with age in the presence of three NSAIDs (p