Long-term prostacyclin--treatment acts on the DNA and RNA content of rat gastric (antral and fundic) mucosa dose-dependently.

Abstract

The changes in gastric (antral and fundic) mucosal DNA and RNA contents were investigated in long-term (80 days) treatment of rats with orally administered prostacyclin. Prostacyclin caused a dose-dependent, significant increase of the DNA levels in both parts of the gastric mucosa together with a significant thickening of the fundic mucosa. The observed changes (decrease) of the RNA/DNA ratio in the fundic as well as antral mucosa, are interpreted as a sign of accelerated cell renewal, i.e. hyperplasia.