Effects of some naturally occurring prostaglandins and synthetic analogues on gastric secretion and ulcer healing in man.

The effects of several naturally occurring prostaglandins and their synthetic analogues on gastric acid secretion in man have been studied. Naturally occurring prostaglandins when given orally do not inhibit gastric secretion in man with the exceptions of PGA2, PGB1, and PGB2. The effect of PGB compounds in inhibiting gastric secretion is inconsistent and unpredictable, whereas PGA2 produces only a transient inhibition of acid secretion. Several synthetic analogues of prostaglandin E2 (particularly 15-methyl and 16,16-dimethyl analogues) produce a marked and sustained inhibition of acid secretion in man when administered orally. In a double-blind study 15(R)-15 methyl-PGE2 has been shown to be highly effective in healing of gastric ulcers in man possibly by inhibiting gastric acid and pepsin secretion and stimulating mucus production. Prostaglandin E2 (although without effect on gastric acid secretion in man) is also effective in healing of gastric ulcers. Deficiency of prostaglandins as a possible cause of gastrointestinal ulcers is discussed.