Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Mechanisms Underlying Gut Hormone Secretion Using the Isolated Perfused Rat Small Intestine
Published on: February 26, 2019
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and phospholipid prodrugs: combination therapy with antisecretory agents in rats
L M Lichtenberger1, C Ulloa, J J Romero
1Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, Houston, USA.
Background & Aims:
The gastrointestinal side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are reduced by antisecretory agents. The effects of combination therapy on the gastrointestinal toxicity and therapeutic activity of free and phospholipid-associated NSAIDs were investigated in rats.
Methods:
Fasted rats, pretreated with either saline or an antisecretory dose of omeprazole, ranitidine, or cimetidine, were intragastrically administered saline, aspirin, or indomethacin. In ulcer models, gastric lesions in aspirin-treated rats and intestinal bleeding in indomethacin-treated rats were measured. For antipyretic and analgesic activity, rectal body temperature in febrile rats and the rats' pain sensitivity to pressure applied to an inflamed limb were measured, respectively.
Results:
NSAID-induced gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding were reduced in rats pretreated with antisecretory agents and abolished in rats administered phospholipid-associated NSAIDs in combination with inhibitors of acid secretion. The antipyretic and analgesic activity of both NSAIDs was attenuated in rats pretreated with an antisecretory agent. This pH-dependent block in therapeutic activity was overcome if the NSAID was preassociated with a phospholipid to enhance the drug's lipophilic characteristics.
Conclusions:
Combination therapy of antisecretory agents and NSAIDs, chemically associated with phospholipids, has distinct advantages with regard to both low gastrointestinal toxicity and restored therapeutic activity.
Related Concept Videos
Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Proton Pump Inhibitors
Gastric acid, a potent cocktail of hydrogen and chloride ions, is produced in specialized parietal cells within the...
Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists
Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sucralfate as Mucosal Protective Agents
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Prostaglandin Analogs as Mucosal Protective Agents
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current...
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems

