[Cytoprotection with antacids?].

Prostaglandins in very low concentrations which do not inhibit acid secretion protect the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract against a great number of noxious agents. The protective action of various antacids is likely to be related to its acid neutralizing capacity. Antacids do not prevent lesions evoked by direct necrotising substances such as concentrated ethanol etc. It remains to be established whether the endogenous prostaglandin system is involved in the antiulcerogenic action of some antacids.