[Protective effect of alkalies on ethyl alcohol-damaged gastric mucosa]

A few recent reports suggest the protective effect of antacids against gastric mucosal injury. This study was aimed to examine the influence of some antacids on ethanol induced gastric mucosal damage in rats. We have found that Polish antacids (Alugastrin, Gelatum Aluminii Phosphorici, Gastrin) and calcium carbonate diminished gastric mucosal lesions produced by ethanol. Moreover, Alugastrin and Gelatum Aluminii Phosphorici decreased volume of gastric contents, and its pH, as well as lowered sodium, potassium and protein levels and decreased LDH activity in gastric contents. These findings indicate that antacids protect rat gastric mucosa against injury caused by ethanol. We have found also that aspirin given prior to Alugastrin abolished the protective ability of Alugastrin. This suggest that prostaglandins might be involved in antacid cytoprotection. Our studies indicate that antacids can be used prophilactically in the gastric mucosal injuries.