The effect of carbenoxolone on changes in canine and human gastric mucosa caused by taurocholate and ethanol.

The effect of carbenoxolone on taurocholate-induced changes in gastric mucosal permeabiity was assessed in three dogs, each of which was prepared with an antrectomy and a vagally denervated gastric pouch. Perfusion of the canine pouches with sodium taurocholate (40 mM) was associated with an increase in hydrogen ion back diffusion. This effect was not diminished by 10 days of carbenoxolone treatment. The effect of carbenoxolone on ethanol-induced changes in gastric mucosal permeability was assessed in six normal human subjects. A significant increase of gastric mucosal permeability was observed in six normal human subjects after instillation of ethanol (20 percent v/v). After 3 weeks of oral ingestion of carbenoxolone, there was inconsistent protection against ethanol-induced increases in gastric mucosal permeability. Basal secretion of hydrogen ion and postethanol hydrogen ion secretion appear to be diminished by carbenoxolone. These studies suggest that carbenoxolone does not protect against taurocholate- and ethanol-induced increases in gastric mucosal permeability in the dog and in man. It seems unlikely that carbenoxolone exerts its beneficial effect on the healing of gastric ulcers in man by an effect on gastric mucosal permeability.