Carbenoxolone and prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha gastric juice levels in man

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of carbenoxolone after a non-oral administration on the levels of prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha in gastric juice. The gastric secretion of 6 healthy volunteers (in basal conditions and after administration of a stimulus of 6 micrograms/kg weight of pentagastrin i.m.) was studied before and after seven days of treatment with 150 mg b.i.d. of carbenoxolone suppository. Concentration and output of prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha (measured by radioimmunoassay), hydrochloric acid, pepsin and N-acetylneuraminic acid in gastric juice were determined. Compared to control values, no statistically significant difference in acid, pepsin or prostaglandin F2 alpha content, or in gastric juice volume, was observed after treatment. However a significant increase was observed in the concentration and output of prostaglandin E2 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 E2 activity. This effect is observed after rectal administration, therefore suggesting that carbenoxolone also has a systemic action