Gastric cytoprotection by antacids and papaverine in rats

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) prevented hemorrhagic ulceration of rat stomach mucosa induced by various procedures when given orally at a non-antisecretory dose. This effect of PGE2 is called gastric cytoprotection. We used absolute ethanol, 0.6 N hydrochloric acid and 0.2 N sodium hydroxide as damaging agents. Ranitidine at an antisecretory dose did not exhibit any cytoprotective effect. However, the poorly absorbable antacids, magnesium hydroxide plus aluminium hydroxide and aluminium phosphate inhibited the development of hemorrhagic lesions significantly. A similar protective effect was seen after intragastric administration of papaverine, which is known to stimulate endogenous prostaglandin synthesis. However, the question as to whether or not stimulation of endogenous prostaglandin synthesis is the mode of action of the cytoprotective effect of papaverine and poorly absorbable antacids, cannot yet be answered.