Effect of sofalcone on localization of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase, an enzyme that metabolizes prostaglandin E2, in rat gastric mucosa: an immunohistochemical study.

We identified the cells containing 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-HPGD) in rat gastric mucosa and examined the effects of sofalcone on the localization of the enzyme by use of an immunohistochemical technique. Also, we investigated the effects of sofalcone on the localization of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Specific stainings for 15-HPGD and PGE2 were similarly observed in a granular pattern mainly in the cytoplasm of parietal and surface epithelial cells. The number of the stained cells for 15-HPGD, especially surface epithelial cells, decreased when rats were given sofalcone, with a concomitant increase in PGE2 staining. These results suggest that parietal and surface epithelial cells are responsible for the degeneration of PGE2 in the rat gastric mucosa, and that sofalcone increased the PGE2 level in the mucosa through inactivation of 15-HPGD in these cells, especially surface epithelial cells.