Effect of cimetidine on gastric potential difference in man

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Gastric potential difference (P.D.) is a marker for the human gastric mucosal barrier.
• Histamine H-2 receptor antagonists are commonly used to reduce gastric acid secretion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of cimetidine on gastric P.D. and acidity in healthy volunteers.
• To explore the potential protective role of cimetidine on the gastric mucosal barrier.

Main Methods:

• Continuous recording of gastric P.D. in five healthy volunteers.
• Administration of 300 mg oral cimetidine.
• Measurement of gastric pH before and after cimetidine administration over a 3-hour period.

Main Results:

• Basal P.D. of -48+/- 1.0 mV increased to -64+/- 2.4 mV after cimetidine administration.
• Basal gastric acidity decreased significantly from pH 2 to pH 7 within one hour.
• Both P.D. and pH changes persisted for 3 hours.

Conclusions:

• Cimetidine increases gastric P.D. and decreases gastric acidity.
• The observed changes suggest cimetidine may offer a protective effect on the gastric mucosal barrier.
• Cimetidine's dual action includes acid suppression and potential barrier protection.