Release of cytoprotective PGE2 from cultured macrophages induced by antacids and sucralfate.

Aluminium-containing antacids and sucralfate possess cytoprotective effects supposedly due to the release of endogenous prostaglandins. In the present study possible mechanisms of prostaglandin production by aluminium-containing and related compounds were investigated in cultured macrophages. We found no indication that mechanical action, particle size or hyperosmolality (up to certain limits) play a major role in initiating enhanced prostaglandin production. Instead, it is likely that specific physicochemical properties as surface charge and the corresponding octahedral crystalline structure of Al(OH)3 are major factors mediating the necessary membrane interactions leading to prostaglandin release.