Role of inhibition of gastric mucous secretion in the phenomenon of gastric mucosal injury by indomethacin

The purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanism by which the therapeutic use of indomethacin is sometimes complicated by peptic ulceration. Mucous secretions from gastric-antral pouches of 5 dogs were collected before, during, and after the daily administration of 5 mg./kg. of indomethacin. This drug decreased the rate of mucous secretion and lowered the concentration of carbohydrate, particularly sialic acid andl-fucose, in the mucosubstance. Peptic ulcers appeared in 3 animals during the administration of indomethacin. The data suggest that gastric mucosal injury by indomethacin may be due to altered mucosal defense mechanisms.