Prostaglandins and their metabolites in the gastrointestinal tract of Yucatan miniature swine.

Concentration of prostaglandins E1, E2, F2alpha, and 15 keto, 13, 14-dihydro F2alpha (MPF2alpha), were measured in gastric, duodenal, jejunal, and ileal mucosa, and in the luminal contents of these gastrointestinal segments in miniature swine at 30, 60, and 120 min after they ingested a liquid nutrient meal. Large quantities of E1 and F2alpha were present in gastric contents at 30 min with lesser amounts of E2 and MPF2alpha. The concentrations of E1, E2, and F2alpha in the gastric contents decreased progressively with time after feeding. The total quantity and the concentrations of E1 and F2alpha decreased with passage of ingesta through the duodenum and jejunum. Mucosal concentrations of E1 and F2alpha were greatest in the duodenum and proximal jejunum and lowest in gastric mucosa. These results indicate that there is considerable production and metabolism of prostaglandins in the gastrointestinal tract, with major amounts secreted into the luminal contents of the stomach and duodenum after food intake.