GASTRIC CYTOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF DEHYDROLEUCODINE IN RATS - ROLE OFPROSTAGLANDINS

Previously, we reported that dehydroleucodine (DhL), a sesquiterpene l actone, protected the gastric mucosa of rats from absolute ethanol-ind uced lesions in a dose-dependent fashion, The mechanism is not mediate d by an antiacid secretory action and DhL stimulated mucous production , In the present study, we report the effect of DhL on the mucosal pro duction of prostaglandin E (PGE) and the mucosal release of PGE(2) in rats stomach. DhL in acute treatment does not modify these values decr eased by previous treatment with indomethacin or absolute ethanol, How ever, DhL in subchronic treatment significantly enhanced the mucosal p roduction of PGE and the mucosal release of PGE(2), Also, indomethacin pretreatment resulted in a significant reduction of the cytoprotectiv e action of DhL, These results indicate the participation of endogenou s prostaglandins in DhL protection against ethanol damage. Moreover, w e suggest that the gastric protective activity of DhL against ethanol induced gastric mucosal damage is mediated, at least in part, through PGE and PGE(2) in subchronic treatment.