Effect of Irsogladine Maleate on NSAID-induced Reduction of Gastric Mucosal Blood Flow in Anesthetized Dogs

Background And Aim: Although mucoprotective agents are commonly used against gastric and duodenal lesions in Japan, their availability as agents for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastrointestinal damage has not been clarified. To investigate the effect of irsogladine maleate (IM) on gastric mucosal blood flow (GMBF) reduction induced by diclofenac sodium, a NSAID commonly used in Japan, by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and ultrasonography (US) in canine stomach.

Methods: GMBF was measured by LDF and contrast-enhanced US in 15 beagles. US was performed employing real-time harmonic imaging under low acoustic power after intravenous contrast injection using Definity (60 mg/kg). 60 min after insertion of a diclofenac sodium suppository (1.0 mg/kg) into the rectum, LDF and contrast-enhanced US were repeated. The examination was done in a crossover, single-blinded fashion.

Results: The mean extent of the change in GMBF in the IM group and in the placebo group was +29.3 and -38%, respectively.

Conclusions: IM alleviates the reduction of GMBF induced by diclofenac sodium.