RESUMEN
The aim of this study is to define the effect(s) of centrally administered neurotensin (NT) on gastric mucosal integrity, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) generation, and blood flow during stress induced by cold-water restraint (CWR) in rats. Intracerebroventricular (icv) NT reduced macroscopic and microscopic damage. The former effect was dose dependent and was totally blocked by indomethacin pretreatment. Gastric mucosal PGE2 increased 27 and 30% at 30 and 60 min, respectively, in nonrestrained rats given icv NT. PGE2 generation was reduced in control rats during CWR but was maintained in CWR rats treated with icv NT. Gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) was significantly reduced in control rats during CWR. Mucosal blood flow was maintained at nonrestraint levels in the presence of icv NT during CWR; however, this effect was abolished by parenteral indomethacin pretreatment. Similarly, intravenous 16,16-dimethyl-PGE2 (200 micrograms.kg-1.h-1) maintained GMBF of non-CWR levels as well as preventing the macroscopic damage normally associated with CWR. These data suggest a protective role for central NT on the gastric mucosa, mediated, at least in part, by PGE2 generation and gastric mucosal blood flow.