Protection of rat gastric mucosa against ethanol injury by the new synthetic prostaglandin MDL 646.

Oral administration to fasted rats of absolute ethanol produces extensive necrotic lesions of gastric mucosa as well as a massive leakage of proteins and mucus glycoproteins into gastric lumen. When the new synthetic prostaglandin MDL 646, belonging to the PGE1 series, is administered intragastrically (2 or 10 micrograms/kg) 30 min before ethanol administration, a significant protection of rat gastric mucosa against alcohol injury is observed.