In vitro electrophysiological effects of cimetidine, prostaglandin E2 and acetylcholine on the rabbit gastric mucosa

The electrophysiological effects of cimetidine, cytoprotective dose of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and acetylcholine were determined in parallel in Ussing-chambered rabbit fundic and antral mucosal preparations. In the fundic mucosal preparations both cimetidine and PGE2 caused an increase in transmucosal potential difference (PD) and in short-circuit current (ISC); the transepithelial resistance (Rt) was essentially unchanged. Addition of acetylcholine to the pretreated fundic preparations produced further gradual increases in PD and ISC; cimetidine pretreatment delayed this effect of acetylcholine. In contrast to fundic mucosa, cimetidine did not cause any electrical change of the antral preparation but decreases in PD, Rt and ISC were detected after the addition of PGE2. Acetylcholine produced a rapid initial PD elevation followed by a PD drop of both antral tissues independent of pretreatment. These findings suggest that both cimetidine and PGE2 generated electrical hyperpolarisation of rabbit fundic mucosa. These changes may be favourable for mucosal protection. No "beneficial" electrical changes were detected on the antral mucosa after administration of cimetidine and PGE2. Acetylcholine increased the effects of other stimuli on the fundic mucosa. In the rabbit antral mucosa acetylcholine generated biphasic changes of electrical properties.