The effect of tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate on the duodenal mucosa during ulceration. An ultrastructural study.

The manner in which tri-potassium di-citrato bismuthate (TDB) promotes duodenal ulcer healing is not known. Endoscopic biopsy specimens were taken from the edges of duodenal ulcers from 5 patients before and after treatment with TDB. Using the bismuth contained within this drug as an electron-dense marker, the mode of action of TDB was determined by transmission electron microscopy. TDB was found to promote ulcer healing by adhering to the ulcerative mucosa, thereby providing an effective barrier to the substances which cause and maintain ulceration.