Effect of prostaglandin E2 on the small intestine of indomethacin-treated rats

In the present study, the protective effect of PGE2 on intestinal damage in indomethacin-treated adult rats was investigated. Ileal integrity was evaluated making use of different biochemical and histological parameters: activities of sucrase, maltase and diamine oxidase; concentrations of DNA, putrescine, spermidine and spermine; incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA; mitotic index and mucosal thickness. Results expressed per g of mucosal weight, showed that: maltase and diamine oxidase activities as well as DNA, spermidine and spermine concentrations decreased markedly in indomethacin-treated rats when compared to control rats; the decrease of maltase activity as well as DNA, spermidine and spermine concentration was less pronounced in PGE2-treated rats when compared to indomethacin-treated rats; 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA and mitotic index values showed no significant variation in the course of different treatments; mucosal thickness increased strongly, in PGE2-protected rats. We suggest that PGE2 could protect the rat's intestinal mucosa against the effects of indomethacin through a trophic action on intestinal villi.