Cytoprotective action of roxatidine acetate HCl.

The cytoprotective action of roxatidine acetate HCl (roxatidine) was investigated. We also studied the involvement of endogenous prostaglandins (PGs) in the cytoprotective action of roxatidine and the effect of roxatidine on SRS content in pleurisy induced by A23187. Simultaneously, these effects of roxatidine were compared with those of other histamine H2-receptor antagonists at the same anti-secretory activity level. Roxatidine prevented formation of the gastric mucosal lesions induced by abs. ethanol, 0.6 N HCl and 0.2 N NaOH, but it failed to prevent 30% NaCl-induced gastric mucosal lesions. Cimetidine, ranitidine and famotidine failed to prevent formation of the gastric mucosal lesions induced by necrotizing agents. The cytoprotective action of roxatidine was not abolished by pretreatment with indomethacin. Roxatidine did not greatly influence SRS production. Consequently, it appears that roxatidine has a cytoprotective action and that this action is not associated with endogenous PGs and SRS.