Inhibition of Gastric and Duodenal Proteases in the Treatment of Haemorrhage from Peptic Ulcer

Abstract

The author suggests that the intermittent character of peptic ulcer bleeding depends on a sequence of clot formation and clot lysis by digestive enzymes, and that intragastric administration of adequate enzyme-inhibitors will support spontaneous haemostasis. Studies of simultaneous inhibition of pepsin and pancreatic proteases by various substances, suggest that bentonite, a clay earth mineral, has exceptional properties. It prevents lysis of standard clots by gastric juice and by duodenal aspirates in vitro, and, in animal experiments (Shay rats), has pronounced antipeptic ulcer-protective effect. A preparation of bentonite used in subsequent clinical studies by Amdrup & Olesen (1) is described.

Key-words:

• Bentonite
• clot lysis, peptic
• haemorrhage, gastroduodenal
• haemostasis
• pepsin inhibition
• peptic ulcer bleeding
• protease, pancreatic
• protease inhibition
• thrombolysis