Prostaglandin Bx in the prevention of stress ulcers in rats

The effect of Prostaglandin Bx (PGBx) on the development of gastric stress ulceration and bleeding in rats was investigated. The rats were divided into five groups and each rat was injected intravenously with either Saline (control), 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 5 mg, or 25 mg/kg of PGBx, according to group. The rats were then placed in wire conduit cages and placed in a cold room at 4 degrees C for three hours and sacrificed immediately afterwards. Results showed a significant increase in gastric bleeding and ulceration in the groups that received 1 and 5 mg/kg (PGBx) when compared to the control group (p less than 0.01). There was, however, a significant increase in gastric acid output in the group that received 1 mg/kg PGBx when compared to the control group (p less than 0.01). Our results suggest that PGBx, by a mechanism other than the inhibition of gastric acid secretion, maintains the integrity of the gastric mucosa.