Effect of sucralfate on gastroduodenal bicarbonate secretion and mucosal prostaglandin E2 metabolism

The effect of sucralfate on gastroduodenal bicarbonate secretion has been examined using isolated amphibian mucosa. Significant increases in gastric bicarbonate secretory rate were seen following addition of 0.5 milligram sucralfate to the luminal solution. Duodenal alkali secretion was stimulated only by a higher concentration of 1 milligram. Pretreatment with indomethacin prevented the increases in gastric and duodenal bicarbonate secretion observed after sucralfate. Other experiments indicated that sucralfate caused stimulation of prostaglandin E2 formation by mucosal homogenates. These studies demonstrate that sucralfate is a potent stimulant of gastroduodenal bicarbonate secretion and that the action is dependent on mucosal prostaglandin formation. These effects are likely to play an important role in the mode of action of the drug.