Effects of carbenoxolone and prostaglandin E2 on transmucosal potential difference in the rat stomach

The effects of prostaglandins (PGs), carbenoxolone and some pharmacological agents on the gastric transmucosal potential difference (PD) were examined under ethanol challenge in anesthetized rats. The PD reduction induced by indomethacin + ethanol (20%) was clearly prevented by PGE2 or carbenoxolone, as well as by isoproterenol or i.v. NaHCO3 infusion. The degree of the protection and recovery of the PD change with carbenoxolone (3 mg/kg, i.g.) were found to be much greater than in the case of PGE2 (100 micrograms/kg, i.g.). The importance of gastric mucus was suggested in comparison with bicarbonate secretion and mucosal blood flow.