Decrease in aspirin-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats by oral administration of the cytotoxic drugs melphalan and methotrexate.

Gastric mucosal damage by aspirin and chemotherapeutic drugs was studied in Wistar rats. Aspirin 60 mg given by stomach tube caused substantial gastric mucosal damage as judged by visual examination of the stomachs removed four hours later. Melphalan and methotrexate given daily for four days had no significant macroscopic effect on the gastric mucosa, but reduced the damage caused by aspirin. This protective effect my involve a stimulation of prostaglandin synthesis by the stomach, increased mucus secretion, and/or inhibition of acid secretion.