Preventing acetylsalicylic acid damage to human gastric mucosa by use of prostaglandin E2.

To determine the lowest dose of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) capable of preventing the acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)-induced fall in the gastric transmucosal potential difference, six healthy men (mean age 24 years) were studied on 5 separate days, in random sequence. In the control experiment, 100 ml of 140 mM hydrochloric acid was instilled five times into the stomach for 15 minutes each time, during which the transmucosal potential difference was measured continuously. In the test experiments, 20 mM ASA plus PGE2 in doses of 0, 0.1, 0.5, or 1.0 mg were added to the control solution during the second and third instillations. The mean control potential difference (+/- standard error) was -50 +/- 2 mV. During the administration of ASA there was a 25% reduction in the potential difference; this change was statistically significant (p less than 0.01). With all three doses of PGE2 the fall in potential difference was prevented. The results demonstrate that ASA damage to human gastric mucosa can be prevented entirely by concurrent administration of as little as 100 micrograms of PGE2. This supports the view that mucosal protection is a physiologic function of PGE2.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes