Evidence for a functional cytoprotective effect produced by antacids in the rat stomach.

The fall in potential difference evoked by taurocholate was diminished after exposure of the gastric mucosa of rats to aluminium-containing antacids. Other parameters of barrier disruption (H+ back diffusion, Na+ influx) exhibited the same pattern and correlated with the change in potential difference. This cytoprotective-like effect was abolished in animals pretreated with indomethacin. Taurocholate significantly diminished the PGE2 content in the gastric mucosa and its release into the instillate. The PGE2 content of gastric mucosa and instillate of animals pretreated with an aluminium-containing antacid was not decreased after exposure to taurocholate.