Gastrodudenal ulceration following active immunization with prostaglandin E 2 in dogs. Role of gastric acid secretion

Abstract

In this study we present evidence to suggest that gastroduodenal mucosal defects may occur in gastric fistula dogs actively immunized with PGE 2-thyroglobulin conjugate. One of four PGE 2-immunized dogs developed a chronic pyloroduodenal ulcer with penetration into the pancreas and the other three had endoscopic evidence of gastric and/or duodenal erosions. In contrast, no gastroduodenal mucosal defects were senn in control dogs immunized with thyroglobulin alone. Occurence of gastroduodenal ulcers or erosions was temporally related to formation of specific antibody to PGE 2 suggesting that PGE 2 antibody may be responsible for lesion formation. An increase in gastric acid secretion was not observed in PGE 2-immunized dogs. Thus, it is likely that mucosal defects occur as a result of an impairment of PGE 2-mediated mucosal defense mechanism. Since gastroduodenal lesions can be visualized by endoscopy, the dog may prove to be useful in studying the role of endogenous PG in ulcer disease.