In vitro adaptive cytoprotection in gastric cells isolated from rat stomach

The effects of mild irritants (2-5% ethanol or water at 45-55 degrees C) on production of prostaglandins (PGs) in gastric cells isolated from rat stomach and the damage caused by 15% ethanol were assessed. Gastric cells were isolated by the method of Matuoka et al., by which a suspension rich in surface epithelial cells was obtained. Synthesis of PGE2 by the cells was stimulated by 3% ethanol or water at 50 degrees C. The damage caused by 15% ethanol was much less in the cells treated with 3% ethanol or 50 degrees C water beforehand than in untreated cells. This protective effect by 3% ethanol or 50 degrees C water was abolished when the cells were treated with 10(-4) M indomethacin. These results suggest that 3% ethanol or 50 degrees C water protects the gastric cells from damage caused by 15% ethanol, possibly via endogenous PGs.