Effects of hEGF (MG111) on gastric mucosal potential difference in rats.

hEGF (GMG111) given i. v. significantly and dose-dependently suppressed the reduction in gastric mucosal potential-difference (PD) induced by 30% ethanol in rats. Pretreatment with indomethacin did not affect its effect, thereby suggesting that endogenous prostaglandins will not be involved in the mechanism of action of MG111. These results indicate that MG111 protects the weakening of "gastric mucosal barrier". The PD was significantly reduced when MG111 was given i. v. at 20 micrograms/kg. This reduction caused by MG111 was not affected by pretreatment with atropine, hexamethonium, propranolol, and phentolamine.