Influence of prednisolone on gastric alkaline response in rat stomach

Abstract

Exposure of the rat stomach for 10 min to 1 M NaCl produced an increase of luminal pH (alkaline response) with a concomitant reduction of the transmucosal potential difference (PD) and an increased generation of mucosal prostaglandins of E₂ and 6-keto F_1α. Prednisolone (3–50 mg/kg), given subcutaneously 4 hr before exposure to 1 M NaCl, dose-dependently inhibited alkaline response without affecting the PD reduction, and at 50 mg/kg completely prevented the increased production of mucosal prostaglandins after exposure to 1 M NaCl. The inhibitory effect of prednisolone on alkaline response was significantly antagonized by pretreatment with 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E₂ (16,16-dmPGE₂) (3 μg/kg) or cycloheximide (1.5 mg/kg). A repeated administration of prednisolone (3–50 mg/kg), once daily for 4 days, produced gastric lesions dose-dependently. At 50 mg/kg, gastric lesions appeared after administration of this drug for more than 2 days, and the inhibition of alkaline response caused by 1 M NaCl became more potent as the days of treatment increased. Either 16,16-dmPGE₂ (10–100 μg/kg) or cycloheximide (1 or 3 mg/kg), given daily in two divided doses for 4 days, dose-dependently inhibited formation of gastric lesions in response to prednisolone (50 mg/kg). These results indicate that prednisolone inhibits gastric alkaline response caused by 1 M NaCl by reducing generation of endogenous prostaglandins. The weakened self-defense mechanisms caused by prednisolone may be involved in the pathogenesis of steroid-induced gastric lesions.