Evidence of anti-oxidant role of sucralfate in gastric mucosal protection.

Six percent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used as a generator of the *OH free radical, and as an aggressor of gastric mucosa, in 100 Wistar rats. The mucosal cytoprotector effect of sucralfate, misoprostol, enprostil, cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine and 10% aluminum sulphate yielded almost complete macroscopic and histological protection to the gastric mucosa. Misoprostol or enprostil gave partial protection whereas the H2 blockers aggravated the gastric necrotic lesions produced by the H2O2. We conclude that sucralfate is a true anti-oxidant that protects the gastric mucosa through its aluminum and sulphydril components, the increment of gastric mucins and endogenous PGs.