Effect of esaprazole on gastric mucosal potential difference after oral administration of aspirin (ASA)

The potential protective properties of esaprazole on the gastric mucosa following administration of aspirin were evaluated by measurement of the potential difference across the gastric mucosa. Twelve patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia were admitted to the study and were divided into two groups of six patients each. In association with a randomized double-blind scheme the two groups of patients underwent two tests, with placebo and esaprazole 600 or 900 mg. After 30 min of basal recording of the potential difference, patients received either esaprazole or placebo i.v. and recording was continued for a further 30 min. Afterwards, 600 mg of unbuffered aspirin was instilled into the stomach through a naso-gastric tube and the potential difference was measured for 60 min. Esaprazole 600 mg did not prevent the fall in the potential difference across the gastric mucosa caused by aspirin. A higher dose of esaprazole, however, did significantly (p less than 0.05) reduce the fall. These results suggest that esaprazole exerts a dose-dependent cytoprotective effect on the gastric mucosa in man.