Effects of carbenoxolone sodium on gastric and duodenal mucus synthesis in mice.

Using the method of staining mucus with Alcian blue and destaining it with magnesium chloride, it was found that intragastric administration of carbenoxolone in mice did not significantly affect duodenal mucus synthesis at doses which remarkably increased gastric mucus synthesis. However, in vitro study showed that carbenoxolone significantly stimulated both gastric and duodenal mucus synthesis. It is suggested that carbenoxolone may also effectively increase mucus synthesis and probably accelerate ulcer healing in the duodenum if sufficient amounts can escape gastric absorption and reach this region.