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Prostaglandin cytoprotection: role of microcirculatory changes
Advances in Prostaglandin, Thromboxane, and Leukotriene Research
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Prostaglandin (PG) pretreatment prevented ethanol-induced blood flow cessation in gastric mucosa. PG maintained blood flow by preventing plasma leak and microvessel permeability, protecting against ethanol injury.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microcirculation research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ethanol causes gastric mucosal damage, including cessation of blood flow.
- The precise mechanism of ethanol-induced blood flow stasis is not fully understood.
- Prostaglandins (PG) are known for cytoprotective effects in the gastric mucosa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of prostaglandin (PG) pretreatment on ethanol-induced blood flow cessation in gastric mucosa.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which PG prevents ethanol-induced microcirculatory dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Fluorescent in vivo microscopy to observe blood flow.
- Hydrogen-gas-clearance technique to measure mucosal blood flow.
- Assessment of albumin leak from microvessels.
Main Results:
- Topical ethanol caused complete cessation of blood flow in damaged gastric areas.
- PG pretreatment prevented the cessation of blood flow.
- PG did not increase baseline blood flow but maintained it by preventing plasma leak and microvessel hyperpermeability.
- Ethanol induced a marked leak of albumin from microvessels, suggesting increased blood viscosity as a cause of flow stasis.
Conclusions:
- Prostaglandin (PG) cytoprotection prevents ethanol-induced microvessel hyperpermeability and plasma leak.
- By maintaining mucosal blood flow through prevention of permeability changes, PG protects the gastric mucosa against severe ethanol injury.