[Do prostaglandins protect other cells besides those of the gastrointestinal epithelium?]

Prostaglandins in very low concentrations, which do not inhibit acid secretion, do protect the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract against a great number of noxious agents. Similar effects could be shown recently in hepatic, pancreatic, renal, and myocardial tissue. The mechanism of cytoprotective action remains unclear. Since cytoprotection is quite ubiquitous, a common mechanism as for instance stabilisation of membranes seems to be effective. It remains to be seen, if this protective action of prostaglandins can be used in therapy.