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Cytoprotective effect of bismuth subsalicylate in indomethacin‐treated rats is associated with enhanced mucus bismuth concentration
Author(s) -
Tanaka S.,
Guth P. H.,
Carryl O. R.,
Kaunitz J. D.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2036.1997.00170.x
Subject(s) - mucus , bismuth , medicine , pharmacology , gastroenterology , chemistry , biology , ecology , organic chemistry
Background: Bismuth compounds prevent gastric injury from the short‐term administration of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. We studied the mechanisms underlying the gastroprotective actions of bismuth subsalicylate against indomethacin‐induced injury in rats. Methods: An in vivo microscopic technique was used in which acid output, surface cell intracellular pH (pH i ), gastric mucus gel thickness and mucosal blood flow were measured simultaneously. Concentrations of bismuth in mucus were measured by atomic absorption. Results: Indomethacin (60 mg/kg) significantly thinned the mucus gel layer and augmented the decrease of pH i during luminal acid superfusion, consistent with a weakened gastric mucosal barrier to acid. Bismuth subsalicylate partially reversed this effect of indomethacin on pH i , consistent with gastroprotection. Neither a prostaglandin‐inhibiting but non‐injurious dose of indomethacin (5 mg/kg), bismuth subsalicylate, or their combination affected mucus gel thickness or pH i homeostasis. In separate experiments, indomethacin (60 mg/kg) significantly increased gastric mucus bismuth concentration in rats given bismuth subsalicylate. Conclusion: Bismuth accumulation in the gastric mucus during the evolution of mucosal injury may play an important role in the gastroprotective effect of bismuth subsalicylate against indomethacin injury.