The influence of 15(R)-15 methyl PGE2, methyl ester, on Nd:YAG laser-induced gastric ulcers.

The effect of 15(R)-15 methyl PGE2 on the evolution of gastric ulcers induced by endoscopic Nd:YAG laser photocoagulation was studied. By continuous application of 50 to 70 watt power for 4 sec at a distance of 15 mm from the gastric mucosa, reproducible ulcers can be induced. The effect of the drug in nonantisecretory doses (10 micrograms/kg) on the acute ulcer formation and on the healing rate was evaluated in mongrel dogs by light microscopy. Local administration or oral pretreatment did not influence the size or depth of acute ulcers (7.4 mm in diameter) as compared to a control series (7.2 mm). Pretreatment for several days, however, had a marked beneficial effect on the healing rate of the ulcers (1.71 mm after 7 days compared to 2.76 mm for the control series). From these data it may be concluded that 15(R)-15 methyl PGE2 has a beneficial effect on ulcer healing, even in nonantisecretory doses.