Effects of E, F, and I series prostaglandins and analogues on growth of gastroduodenal mucosa and pancreas.

We investigated the effects of prostaglandins (PG) of E, F, and I series and their stable analogues on gastric acid secretion, serum gastrin level, and growth of gastroduodenal mucosa and pancreas in rats. Short-term administration (every 8 h for 48 h) of E and F series PGs and their stable analogues caused significant stimulation of DNA synthesis; prolonged PG treatment (every 8 h for 10 days) significantly increased weight and total DNA and RNA contents of the organs tested. PGs of E series were given in doses that inhibited gastric acid secretion about 50% and raised serum gastrin significantly; PGs of F series were injected in the same dose (1,000 micrograms/kg) as PGs of E series but did not affect acid secretion or serum gastrin. Short- or long-term treatment with PGI2 or its stable analogue (Hoe 892), injected in doses causing about 50% inhibition of acid secretion and significant increments in serum gastrin levels, failed to affect any of the growth-related parameters in the stomach, duodenum, or pancreas. We conclude that PGs of E and F (but not of I) series exhibit a marked stimulatory influence on growth of gastroduodenal mucosa and pancreas. These trophic effects appear to be unrelated to gastric secretion or serum gastrin release.