Effects of lansoprazole on gastric ulcer healing and mucin content

The effect of lansoprazole, a new benzimidazole proton pump inhibitor, on the relationship between ulcer healing and changes in mucin content was studied in gastric ulcer patients. Twenty-one outpatients with active gastric ulcers received lansoprazole 30 mg once daily given in the morning for 8 weeks. The gastric mucin content was examined by HPLC analysis of hexosamines in gastric biopsy specimens obtained from the lesser curvature of the pylorus and the greater curvature of the upper body. The ulcer healing rate for lansoprazole was 85.7% at 8 weeks. The mucin content of both mucosal regions significantly decreased to approximately 70% (pylorus 70.9%; upper body 74.7%) of the value before drug treatment. The results of this study demonstrate that 30 mg lansoprazole once daily is remarkably effective in healing gastric ulcers because of its potent acid suppression. It appears that acid inhibition is the primary factor in initial treatment. However, maintaining an altered gastric mucosal defense mechanism may have implications for the long-term treatment of gastric ulcers.