Effects of an orally administered prostaglandin analogue (16, 16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2) on human gastric secretion.

The secretory response to 16, 16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (DMPG) administered orally in 4 different dosages and to placebo was evaluated in healthy volunteers over a 2-hr period. During stimulation of gastric secretion by histamine, DMPG at the highest dosage (1.5 mug per kg) reduced volume by 47% and acid output by 79%. Pepsin concentration was not affected. At the same dose, DMPG inhibited basal secretion by 54% and 99% for volume and acid output, respectively. There were no side effects secondary to DMPG administration, which indicates that this compound may be useful in treating peptic ulcer disease.