Debnath, SiddharthaGuha, Debjani2009-05-282009-05-282007-08-20Debnath S, Guha D. Role of Moringa oleifera on enterochromaffin cell count and serotonin content of experimental ulcer model. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology. 2007 Aug; 45(8): 726-31http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/57732The present study has been undertaken to observe the effect of aqueous extract of M. oleifera (MO) leaf (300mg/kg body weight) on mean ulcer index, enterochromaffin (EC) cells and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) content of ulcerated gastric tissue. Ulceration was induced by using aspirin (500 mg/kg, po), cerebellar nodular lesion and applying cold stress. In all cases increased mean ulcer index in gastric tissue along with decreased EC cell count was observed with concomitant decrease of 5-HT content. Pretreatment with MO for 14 days decreased mean ulcer index, increased both EC cell count and 5-HT content in all ulcerated group, but treatment with ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, along with MO pretreatment increased mean ulcer index, decreased 5-HT content without any alteration in EC cell count. The results suggest that the protective effect of MO on ulceration is mediated by increased EC cell count and 5-HT levels which may act via 5-HT3 receptors on gastric tissue.engAnimalsCell CountDisease Models, AnimalEnterochromaffin Cells --chemistryMoringa oleifera --chemistryPlant Extracts --pharmacologyRatsRats, Inbred StrainsSerotonin --analysisStomach Ulcer --chemically inducedWater --chemistryJournal Article