The effectiveness of 4-(4-bromophenyl)-2-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride (AN12) on acute ulcer models and gastric acid secretion in rats was compared with the action of the histamine H2-receptor antagonist roxatidine (R). AN12 or R given orally, produced significant, dose-dependent decreases in stress- and indomethacin-induced ulcers. The ED50 value of AN12 and R were 0.40 (0.27-0.60) and 13.27 (9.13-19.29) mg/kg, respectively, for stress ulcers and 0.68 (0.17-2.61) and 25 mg/kg, respectively, for indomethacin ulcers. The length and number of ethanol-provoked gastric damages were significantly reduced by R (50 and 100 mg/kg p.o.) but not by AN12 (0.5-2 mg/kg p.o.). In pylorus-ligated rats, AN12 (2 mg/kg p.o.) and R (50 and 100 mg/kg p.o.) significantly inhibited basal gastric acid secretion, increased pH and decreased acidity. The influence of AN12 (2 mg/kg) on the volume of stomach juice was close to that of R (100 mg/kg), AN12 (0.1-1.0 mg/kg i.v.) did not significantly affect the hemodynamics of anesthesized cats. It is suggested that the influence of some CNS amine neurotransmitters may be included in part, in the effects of AN12.