Acetaminophen directly protects human gastric epithelial cell monolayers against damage induced by sodium taurocholate.

The present study evaluated whether acetaminophen can reduce sodium-taurocholate-induced damage to human gastric epithelial cells grown in monolayer culture (a preparation which excludes systemic factors). Further, the role of endogenous prostaglandin production by gastric cells in any such protection has been assessed. Results showed that (1) acetaminophen significantly protects human gastric epithelial cells against taurocholate-induced damage in vitro, in conditions independent of systemic factors, (2) protection of gastric cells by acetaminophen in vitro appears unrelated to stimulation of prostaglandin synthesis, and (3) a direct protective effect on gastric epithelial cells may play a role in protection of gastric mucosa by acetaminophen in vivo.