The effect of orally administered prostaglandins on gastric mucus secretion in the rat

Abstract

The secretion of gastric mucus may play a role in the protective effect of prostaglandins against gastric ulcers. To investigate the effect of prostaglandins E₁, E₂, F_1α, F_2α, A_l, A₂ and 15(S)15 methyl prostaglandin E₂, F_1α, ester on gastric mucus secretion, these prostaglandins were given orally to rats at doses of 0.1, 1.0 and 4.0 mg/kg. The anthrone method was used to analyze the amount of mucus washed from the stomach with 2 M NaCl. Gastric secretory volume effects were also observed. All of the compounds tested increased both gastric mucus and secretory volume. The most. active compound was 15(5)15 methyl PGE₂ Me ester. The mucus stimulating effect of these prostaglandins, when administered locally, may be relevant to the understanding of the anti-ulcer effects of prostaglandins.