Effect of chronic stress and L-carnitine on rat stomach

Background and Aim: L-Carnitine is an essential cofactor in the mitochondrial transfer of fatty acids, and it is also a scavenger of free radicals in mammalian tissues. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of L-carnitine on chronic restraint stress-induced gastric mucosal injury. Methods: Wistar rats were applied restraint stress (1 h/day) and L-carnitine (50 mg/kg) for 21 days. The lesion index, prostaglandin E-2 and mucus content, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity in gastric mucosa were evaluated. Results: Chronic restraint stress increased the lesion index, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide dismutase activity in gastric mucosa, and it decreased prostaglandin E2 and mucus content. L-Carnitine treatment prevented the stress-induced increase in lesion index, lipid peroxidation and a stress-induced decline in prostaglandin E-2, and mucus content in gastric mucosa, but it increased catalase activity. Conclusions: L-Carnitine prevents the occurrence of lesion by strengthening the gastric mucosal barrier and by reducing lipid peroxidation against the harmful effects of chronic restraint stress.