EN
Gastric mucosal integrity depends upon the balance between „aggressive” factors and „defensive” mechanisms. The formation of mucosal lesions results from the disruption of defense lines, including the breaking of unstirred mucus layer, the reduction of surface hydrophobicity, extensive exfoliation of surface epithelium, penetration of offending agents deeply into the mucosa and damage to the microvessels. The release of proinflam- matory and vasoactive mediators such as leukotrienes (LT), thromboxanes, platelet activating factor (PAP), endothelins and others has been thought to be involved in the pathomechanism of mucosal injury, especially damage to the micro vascular endothelium, increased vascular permeability, reduction in mucosal blood flow, vascular stasis, tissue ischemia and glandular cell necrosis. This paper reviews the mechanisms and possible pathogenetic implication of two related compounds, LT and PAP in acute mucosal injury by topical irritants such as ethanol, aspirin, bile salts and by stress. LT and PAP arise from similar membrane phospholipids and may regulate the biosynthesis of one another in the damaged mucosa. Although pharmacological studies have clearly demonstrated the noxious effects of cysteinyl LT and PAP on the mucosa, especially when exposed to topical irritants, recent publications have challenged the primary role of these mediators in the pathogenesis of mucosal lesions and ulcerations because the treatment with agents that selectively antagonize their biosynthesis or the receptor sites at the target cells did not always interrupt the chain of events leading to mucosal injury. The role of these mediators in the mucosal repair processes has been little studied but both cysteinyl LT and PAP seem to delay the restitution and healing of the mucosa. Further studies are necessary to clarify to what extent the biosynthesis of LT and PAP and the pharmacological inhibition of their action on the target tissues is related to noxious, protective and reparative events in the mucosa exposed to mild irritants and ulcerogens.