The effects of E and A prostaglandins on gastric mucosal blood flow and acid secretion in the rat

Abstract

1 The effects of prostaglandins E₁, E₂, A₁ and A₂ on gastric acid secretion and mucosal blood flow were studied by means of a [¹⁴C]-aniline clearance technique in the anaesthetized rat. 2 During intravenous administration of these prostaglandins, in doses which almost completely inhibited pentagastrin- and histamine-induced acid secretion, a fall in clearance was observed. 3 Clearance per unit acid secretion increased during prostaglandin administration, precluding a primary reduction in mucosal blood flow as the mechanism of the antisecretory action. 4 Prostaglandins increased clearance during basal secretion, indicating a direct vasodilator effect on the gastric mucosa. 5 The possibility that endogenous prostaglandins contribute to functional vasodilatation in the gastric mucosa and that exogenous prostaglandins may be of clinical value in the treatment of peptic ulcer is discussed.