Protection by the calcium antagonist Wy-47,037 against stress ulceration in the rat

Wy-47,037, a novel compound with both intracellular and extracellular calcium-blocking properties, was evaluated for its effects on cold/restraint stress induced ulceration in the rat. Wy-47,037 dose-dependently inhibited ulcerogenesis; with an ED 50 of 8 mg/kg, PO, it was approximately twice as potent as nitrendipine (ED 50 = 15 mg/kg). Wy-47,037 also reduced basal gastric acid secretion (ED 50 = 7 mg/kg) and gastrointestinal motility (ED 50 = 16 mg/kg). It is thus possible that Wy-47,037's alteration of basal gastric acid secretion and/or of gastrointestinal motility may contribute to its therapeutic efficacy against stress induced ulcer formation.