MDL-646, a new synthetic E1-prostaglandin with local protective effects on the gastric mucosa

The gastric protection, diarrheogenic and arterial hypotensive effects of MDL-646, a PGE1 derivative, have been studied in rats. The compound administered p.o. or i.v. was able to inhibit the macroscopic damage to gastric mucosa produced by noxious stimuli (ethanol and indomethacin). In the stomach perfusion test with the anesthetized rat, intravenously administered MDL-646 reduced histamine- or pentagastrin-stimulated gastric secretion. After intraduodenal administration (i.d.) doses at least 40-50 times greater were necessary for an antisecretory effect. In conscious rats with chronic gastric fistulas, intragastrically administered (i.g.) MDL-646 affected both acid concentration and volume of unstimulated gastric secretion. In experimental models for gastric lesions, MDL-646 was much more potent after oral (p.o.) (15-30 times) than after i.v. administration. (ED50 micrograms/kg: vs. alcohol lesions, 0.05 p.o. and 0.7 i.v.; vs. indomethacin ulcers, 7.0 p.o. and 195 i.v.). Our data would fit the hypothesis that it was a local effect on the gastric mucosa. The mechanism of this effect is not known. The supposed local activity coupled with the antisecretory effects and the good tolerability make it interesting to test MDL-646 as an anti-ulcer agent in man.