Effects of fish oil on gastric mucosal 6-keto-PGF1 alpha synthesis and ethanol-induced injury.

Fundic mucosal content and synthesis of 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha, the major prostanoid in the rat gastric mucosa, were determined after rats had ingested a diet containing 10% fish oil or 10% corn oil for 4 wk. 6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha content and synthesis in rats fed a fish oil-supplemented diet were reduced significantly compared with rats receiving a corn oil-supplemented diet (P less than 0.05). However, rats receiving 10% fish oil for 8 wk sustained significantly less gastric mucosal injury after intragastric challenge with 15% and then with absolute ethanol than rats receiving 10% corn oil or regular chow for 8 wk (P less than 0.05). Thus fish oil ingestion protected the gastric mucosa even though fish oils reduced mucosal prostaglandin synthesis.