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Background and Aim: L-Carnitine is a essential cofactor in the mitochondrial transfer of fatty acids and 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 E2 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, while decreased prostaglandin E2 and mucus content. L-Carnitine treatment prevented the stress-induced increase in lesion index and lipid peroxidation and stress-induced decline in prostaglandin E2 and mucus content in gastric mucosa, while increased catalase activity. Conclusions: L-Carnitine prevents the occurrence of lesion by strengthening the gastric mucosal barrier and by reducing lipid peroxidation against harmfull effects of chronic restraint stress.
