Pentagastrin cytoprotection in ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats.

To establish pentagastrin cytoprotection, the effectiveness of various doses of pentagastrin on ethanol induced gastric mucosal lesions was investigated in Wistar rats. Significant protection was obtained only after parenteral pretreatment with the exception of the lowest dose (1 microgram/kg b.w.). Pentagastrin cytoprotection is not mediated either by a dopamine, muscarinic or gastrin/CCK receptor or by prostaglandin synthesis. However, the protective effect of pentagastrin is abolished by prior vagotomy, although this procedure alone or sham operation is ineffective to influencing control-ethanol lesions. In secretory studies pentagastrin increased both the volume of gastric juice and total acid output. Unlike cytoprotection, these were reversed by vagotomy, but also with atropine and problumide, whereas domperidone and indomethacin were ineffective.