The prostaglandin and thromboxane system of the gastric mucosa as a target for protective and ulcerogenic drugs
Peskar, B.M.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 96(4): 133-138
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5325 PMID: 6585091 Document Number: 230247
Human gastric mucosa synthesizes significant amounts of thromboxane, which has recently been found to be highly ulcerogenic, in addition to protective prostaglandins. The ratio of the various mucosal arachidonic acid metabolites formed may, therefore, exert a modifying influence on the resistance of the mucosa against noxious agents. This hypothesis is supported by the finding that carbenoxolone, a drug accelerating peptic ulcer healing by a mechanism which does not involve inhibition of acid secretion, stimulates gastric mucosal prostaglandin formation and, in parallel, inhibits mucosal thromboxane synthesis. Ulcerogenic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, on the other hand, usually reduce gastric prostaglandin formation. The inhibitory activity of the various compounds is dependent on their affinity to the gastric mucosal cyclooxygenase, as well as on pharmacokinetic properties. Since gastrointestinal side-effects frequently occur during anti-inflammatory-analgesic therapy, the elucidation of the underlying mechanisms seems of considerable clinical relevance.