Further evidence for gastroprotection induced by aluminium hydroxide in the rat.

The effect of aluminium hydroxide on the development of gastric mucosal lesions induced by microcirculatory disturbances was investigated in the rat. Aluminium hydroxide dose-dependently inhibited the serotonin-induced gastric damages. Carbachol give subcutaneously intensified the development both of ethanol-produced gastric erosions and of indometacin-induced lesions. Al(OH)3 was able to counteract the damaging effect of the compounds mentioned. The gastroprotective effect of Al(OH)3 may be explained by the release of vasodilating prostaglandins into the submucosa; and by the slight spasmolytic effect of aluminium that also contributes to the improvement of the mucosal blood supply.