Role of prostaglandin E2 on human gastric ulcers

Using radioimmunoassay, we determined the mucosal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) concentration in normal subjects and in patients with tractable and intractable gastric ulcers. The fundic and antral mucosa of the normal subjects contained large amounts of PGE2; they were not significantly different from those found in tractable and intractable gastric ulcer patients. The mucosal PGE2 concentration at the ulcer margin was significantly higher in tractable than intractable cases. To assess the effect of PGE2 on ulcer healing, 11 intractable ulcer patients received PGE2 (1.5 or 3.0 mg/day) perorally. In 7 (64%), the ulcer healed completely within 4 to 14 weeks.