Antisecretory and antiulcer properties of prostaglandins.

Certain prostaglandins inhibit gastric secretion and exert an antiulcer activity. These properties, first discovered in animals, were confirmed in humans and are likely to be useful in the treatment of peptic ulcer. On the other hand, several prostaglandins given at high doses favor the passage of water and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen. This accumulation of fluid seems to be the cause of the diarrhea observed on occasion after prostaglandins are given.