Role of gastric mucosal blood flow in gastroprotective effect of novel xanthine derivative.

The effect of 3-ethyl-1-(6-hydroxy-6-methylheptyl)-7-propylxanthine (A90 6119) on 40% ethanol-induced gastric lesions and gastric mucosal blood flow was investigated in rats. Gastric mucosal blood flow was measured by the hydrogen gas clearance technique and the test compounds and vehicle were administered intraduodenally. A90 6119 dose-dependently increased gastric mucosal blood flow and decreased gross and histologic gastric mucosal injury induced by 40% ethanol. Both the gastric mucosal blood flow and protective effects of A90 6119 were completely attenuated by pretreatment with indomethacin. The findings demonstrate that A90 6119 protects against ethanol-induced gastric injury, and this effect involves stimulation of endogenous prostaglandin synthesis and an increase in gastric mucosal blood flow.