Effect of glucagon on aspirin-induced gastric mucosal damage in man.

The effect of glucagon on aspirin-induced damage to human gastric mucosa and its effect on gastric mucosal potential difference were studied in 27 healthy volunteers. Intragastric instillation of 600 mg of aspirin suspended in 100 ml of isotonic saline caused significant damage to 21 +/- 3% of surface epithelial cells and a marked reduction in gastric potential difference within 15 min of aspirin instillation. Glucagon, 2 mg given intravenously, caused hyperglucagonemia, hypophosphatemia, hyperinsulinemia, increased blood glucose levels and gastric pH, as well as significant prolonged elevation of gastric potential difference. Glucagon injection given 15 min before aspirin instillation effectively prevented surface epithelial cell damage, decreasing percentage of damaged cells to 3.5%. Glucagon did not prevent the drop in gastric potential difference evoked by aspirin, but did, however, prevent potential difference from falling below base line values after aspirin. This study showed in man that glucagon protects gastric mucosa against aspirin damage and suggests possible therapeutic value in clinical situations requiring prevention of aspirin-induced gastric mucosal damage.