Effects of prostaglandin E2, 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 and a prostaglandin endoperoxide analogue (U-46619) on gastric secretory volume, [H+] and mucus synthesis and secretion in the rat.

The effects of orally administered prostaglandin E2, 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 and U-46619, an analogue of the prostaglandin endoperoxide PGH2, on gastric secretory volume, acid and mucus were studied in the rat. All of the compounds significantly increased the volume of gastric secretion, mucus secretion, measured as N-acetylneuraminic acid and mucus synthesis measured as the incorporation of [3H]-glucosamine into mucosal glycoprotein; however, only PGE2 and 16,16-dimethyl PGE2 inhibited acid secretion. U-46619, 1.5 mg/kg provided significant protection against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers, an effect that has been previously shown for the other two compounds. These studies provide additional evidence that prostaglandin induced mucosal protection may be related to an effect on mucus and on stimulation of nonparietal cell gastric secretion. Further study of these parameters may be important in the development of antiulcer drugs for long term clinical use.