Stimulation of mucus and nonparietal cell secretion by the E2 prostaglandins

Abstract

The effects of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), 15-methyl prostaglandin E₂ (15M), and 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E₂ (16DM) on gastric mucus and nonparietal cell secretion in rats were measured. Alcian blue binding was used as a measure of gastric mucus. Applied topically, all three agents stimulated nonparietal cell secretion, and PGE₂ and 16 DM stimulated the secretion of mucus, increasing the fraction in the gastric contents but not that adherent to the mucosa. Topical 15M did not stimulate the production of mucus. Given intravenously, all three agents increased the amount of mucus in the gastric contents without altering the amount of mucus bound to the mucosa. The prostaglandins had no effect on nonparietal cell secretion when given intravenously. These effects could be relevant to the ability of the E₂ prostaglandins to protect the gastric mucosa from damage.