Prostaglandin biosynthesis by gastric mucosa. II. Studies in man.

The concentration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in gastric juice and the PGE2 biosynthetic capacity ( PGBC ) of mucosal biopsies were studied before and after a five-day course of acetylsalicylic acid (650 mg QID) in seven healthy subjects. Gastric juice PGE2 concentration varied between individuals, but mucosal PGBC was relatively constant. After the five-day course of acetylsalicylic acid both measurements were significantly lower. PGE2 concentration fell 49 +/- 8% and PGBC was reduced by at least 97%. The ready availability of these samples at endoscopy and the sensitivity and reproducibility of the measurements suggest that these techniques may be valuable in clinical studies of gastric function and disease.