Gastroprotective effect of pentacaine: role of mast cells.

Pentacaine was found to prevent the development of acute haemorrhagic lesions induced by ethanol in rats in a dose-dependent way. Electron microscopy in the untreated group showed extensive disruption of the surface epithelium and deep necrosis of the mucosa after ethanol exposure. Degranulation or even complete destruction of mast cells was observed. The microvasculature exhibited several signs of derangement. After pentacaine treatment, these signs were absent and no degranulation of mucosal mast cells was observed. The mast cell-mediated effect of pentacaine appears to be only one component of its gastroprotective action.