Protection of the Gastroduodenal Mucosa by Prostaglandins

Like other nucleated cell populations in the body, the cells of the gastroduodenal mucosa are capable to metabolise arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, with prostaglandin E2 as the probable major metabolite. The production increases on demand and can be followed in the gastric lumen, where the output of prostaglandin E2 increases two to fourfold after exposure of the mucosa to hydrochloric acid. Exogenous prostaglandins, in particular of the E series, stimulate several identified mucosal defense factors in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Prostaglandins of the E series stimulate the transport of bicarbonate and the production and release of mucus glycoproteins from the gastroduodenal mucosa. They have trophic effects on gastrointestinal epithelia by increasing the survival time of mucosal cells and have cytoprotective properties. In addition, E2 prostaglandins suppress the gastric acid secretion and accelerate peptic ulcer healing.Non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, which block the biosynthesis of pr...