Stimulation of gastric mucus and protein secretion by cytochalasin E in rats

Effects of cytochalasin E on the secretion of mucus and protein were investigated in gastric fistula rats. Direct exposure of the gastric mucosa to cytochalasin E (5-20 micrograms/ml) significantly stimulated the secretory rate of soluble mucus and protein in pentagastrin-stimulated rats. The amount of surface mucus gel was also increased. The stimulatory effect was increased with increased concentrations of cytochalasin. Histological study suggests that the cytochalasin stimulated the release of mucus from the cell. The increase in secretory rate of protein was not due to an increase of pepsin secretion but rather was the consequence of the increase in mucus secretion.