Oral administration of spermine inhibits gastric acid secretion in rats.

Administration of spermine by oral route inhibits the histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion in pylorous ligated rats. The extent of both the acid and volume of secretion is dependent on the dose of spermine. The polyamine is completely ineffective when injected by the intravenous route. A single oral dose of spermine suppresses acid secretion for at least 6 hr. An inverse relationship between the efficacy of oral spermine and age of the animals was observed. These data suggest a therapeutic potential for the naturally occurring polyamine compounds.