Inhibition of mast cell population by L-glutamine in aspirin-induced ulceration in rat stomach.

The effects of an amino acid L-glutamine on aspirin-induced gastric lesions as well as on the mast cell population were studied in rats. L-glutamine had a pronounced inhibitory effect on gastric lesions produced by oral aspirin administration. Aspirin-induced increase in the mast cell population of the stomach was also prevented. Parenteral administration of aspirain did not produce any significant damage to the gastric mucosa.