Prostaglandin-stimulated gastric mucus secretion in man

In 6 healthy volunteers, following intragastric instillation of a prostaglandin analogue pentagastrinstimulated gastric secretion of acid, pepsin, and glycoprotein N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) was assessed. There was only a slight and statistically insignificant inhibition of acid output while pepsin secretion remained entirely unaffected. On the other hand, gastric mucus (NANA) secretion was significantly increased dependent on the prostaglandin dose administered. It is concluded that prostaglandins in addition to their well-known gastric acid inhibitory action may exert mucus stimulating properties and thus may have a direct protective effect on the gastric mucosa.