Carbenoxolone and prostaglandin E2 and F2α gastric juice levels in man

Summary The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of carbenoxolone after a non-oral administration on the levels of prostaglandins E 2 and F 2α in gastric juice. The gastric secretion of 6 healthy volunteers (in basal conditions and after administration of a stimulus of 6 μg/kg weight of pentagastrin i.m.) was studied before and after seven days of treatment ment with 150 mg b.i.d. of carbenoxolone suppository. Concentration and output of prostaglandins E 2 and F 2α (measured by radioimmunoassay), hydrochloric acid, pepsin and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid in gastric juice were determined. Compared to control values, no statistically significant difference in acid, pepsin or prostaglandin F 2α content, or in gastric juice volume, was observed after treatment. However a significant increase was observed in the concentration and output of prostaglandin E 2 after administration of pentagastrin. The concentration and output of N-acetyl-neuraminic acid increased significantly only in basal conditions in carbenoxolone-treated subjects. The present study suggests that the cytoprotective action of carbenoxolone on gastric mucosa in man could be due to an increased prostaglandin E 2 activity. This effect is observed after rectal administration, therefore suggesting that carbenoxolone also has a systemic action.