Circadian variation of prostaglandin E (PGE) production in human gastric juice

Prostaglandin E output in human gastric juice has been determined by radioimmunoassay and correlated with gastric acid secretion in 10 normal subjects and 10 patients with duodenal ulcer. PGE and acid outputs were higher in patients with peptic ulcer. Although not statistically significant these changes were probably secondary to changes in gastric juice volume. A circadian rhythm of gastric PGE production was observed in normal subjects with high output at midday, a spike at midnight, and low output in the early morning, in phase relationship to the circadian rhythm of gastric acid secretion. Disruption of PGE and acid rhythms was found in ulcer patients.Our study does not support the concept that prostaglandin deficiency may be an etiological factor in peptic ulcer disease. Nonetheless, a heretofore unrecognized disruption in gastric PGE rhythm may prove to be of physiologic significance.