Cytoprotection and 6-keto-prostaglandin-F1 alpha.

Several prostaglandins were found to protect the gastric mucosa against the ulcerogenic effect of immobilization (stress) and of indomethacin in the rat. The analogue 6-keto-prostaglandin-F1 alpha had no cytoprotective effect in the same region and even seemed to facilitate ulceration in the stomach in a dose-dependent manner. Unusually high doses of this prostaglandin analogue also exerted a slight cytoprotective effect.