Suppressive effect of antiulcer agents on granulocytes - A role for granulocytes in gastric ulcer formation

Many clinicians have believed that H-2-blockers and proton pump inhibitors ameliorate gastric ulcers via their antacid function. We examined the effec ts of these antacids on granulocytes. Gastric ulcer patients were administe red an H-2-blocker or proton pump inhibitor for a week and the number of gr anulocytes and the superoxide production were examined. To determine the tr afficking of granulocytes, mice were exposed to restraint stress for 24 hr. The H-2-blocker decreased the number of granulocytes, while the proton pum p inhibitor suppressed their superoxide production in humans and mice. The major function of H-2-blockers and proton pump inhibitors in curing gastric ulcers seems to be their suppressive effects on granulocytes. In this case , stress accelerates the trafficking of granulocytes from the bone marrow t o the gastric mucosa. If we demonstrate a role for granulocytes in gastric ulcer formation, an gap in the acid-pepsin theory and the Helicobacter pylo ri theory is filled in.