Effect of mirtazapine on MNNG-induced gastric adenocarcinoma in rats.

OBJECTIVE In this study, anticancer effects of mirtazapine on rats were investigated in an adenocarcinoma model induced by N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and compared with those of cisplatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS For this purpose, 10 mg/kg doses of mirtazapine were administered orally to one group of rats, while 1 mg/kg doses of cisplatin were administered intraperitoneally to another group. At 1 hour after administration, 200 mg/kg doses of MNNG were given orally to both groups. MNNG administration was repeated once every 10 days through 3 months, after which period, gastric tissue was taken and pathologically evaluated. RESULTS Mirtazapine prevented adenocarcinoma induction by MNNG in rats to a greater extent than cisplatin. Some of the rats receiving cisplatin demonstrated severe dysplasia in gastric samples and others exhibited mild dysplasia. Rats given mirtazapine were not observed to suffer severe dysplasia, only mild dysplasia being observed. CONCLUSION For adenocarcinoma induced by MNNG on rats, mirtazapine was determined more effective than cisplatin. In order to make statement about mechanism of anticancer activity of mirtazapine, wider studies are required.